Silver polymeric nanocomposites as advanced antimicrobial agents: Classification, synthetic paths, applications, and perspectives

► Synthetic routes toward silver-polymer nanocomposites are classified and critically reviewed. ► Advantages, drawbacks and applicability in antimicrobial and disinfection treatments. ► “Green” synthetic approaches. ► One-step approaches to polymers with attached silver, without the use of any extra reducing agent. ► Magnetic silver-polymer nanocomposites enabling targeted antimicrobial action and consequent removal.