Silver nanoparticles, due to its special chemical and physical properties, as well as its disinfection properties, are widely used in medical, pharmaceutical, bacterial, electronic, optical and other uses. Therefore, the synthesis of these nanoparticles is very important. This paper discusses past developments in the synthesis, applications and antibacterial effects of silver nanoparticles. Due to the high cost of chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles and also the creation of serious considerations for human health and the environment, the study of the biosynthesis of these nanoparticles is of great importance. Research has shown that the green method of nanoparticle synthesis due to the presence of reducing and stabilizing agents in plant extracts and in comparison with these factors in chemical methods, is significantly less toxic.