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Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment
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Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Inorganic Materials and Metal-Organic Frameworks".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 July 2021) | Viewed by 39982

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Mònica Iglesias

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chemistry Department, Universitat de Girona, Girona, Spain
Interests: Analytical Chemistry, Atomic spectroscopy, development of analytical methodology, potentially toxic elements in the environment, Nanomaterials characterization and assessment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has grown in last years because of the special physicochemical properties that they present. As known, these nanomaterials are widely used in commercial products due to their antibacterial properties, which increase their intentional or unintentional release in the environment. Once there, AgNPs can suffer interactions with natural components, which can affect their final toxic effects. Therefore, characterization and quantification of these emerging pollutants in environmental and biological samples with adequate analytical methodologies is needed.

A wide range of methods and techniques to characterize and quantify nanosilver in simple matrices is available, but difficulties still exist to determine these emerging contaminants in complex samples. Moreover, the demanded analytical information can entail not only their detection and quantification, but also their particle characteristics determination. Furthermore, AgNPs can undergo transformations in different environmental compartments and living beings as a result of the interaction with some components, which makes their characterization and quantification even more difficult. Another challenge of analyzing AgNP in complex samples is the low concentration of these emerging pollutants and the co-existence of AgNPs with other silver containing chemical species (Ag(I)) or NPs of different origins (natural or manufactured) and with distinct characteristics (e.g. coating). For these reasons, the development and improvement of analytical techniques is needed.

The special Issue entitled “Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and assessment in the environment” aims to cover current studies, in the field of the AgNPs synthesis and characterization. Advanced analytical methodologies and sample treatment procedures to determine and characterize AgNPS as well as to understand their behavior in the environment, are very welcome.

Dr. Mònica Iglesias
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Silver Nanoparticles
  • Sample preparation
  • Characterization
  • Analytical methodology
  • Speciation
  • Environmental Samples

Published Papers (14 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

3 pages, 189 KiB  
Editorial
Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment
by Mònica Iglesias
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(1), 167; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12010167 - 4 Jan 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1614
Abstract
The number of studies on silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has risen in recent years due to the increase in their use in different commercial products, the concerns regarding their release in the environment, as well as their toxicological effects [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

13 pages, 6703 KiB  
Article
Monitoring and Optimisation of Ag Nanoparticle Spray-Coating on Textiles
by Sara Trabucco, Simona Ortelli, Benedetta Del Secco, Ilaria Zanoni, Franco Belosi, Fabrizio Ravegnani, Alessia Nicosia, Magda Blosi and Anna Luisa Costa
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3165; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11123165 - 23 Nov 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2304
Abstract
An automatic lab-scaled spray-coating machine was used to deposit Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) on textile to create antibacterial fabric. The spray process was monitored for the dual purpose of (1) optimizing the process by maximizing silver deposition and minimizing fluid waste, thereby reducing suspension [...] Read more.
An automatic lab-scaled spray-coating machine was used to deposit Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) on textile to create antibacterial fabric. The spray process was monitored for the dual purpose of (1) optimizing the process by maximizing silver deposition and minimizing fluid waste, thereby reducing suspension consumption and (2) assessing AgNPs release. Monitoring measurements were carried out at two locations: inside and outside the spray chamber (far field). We calculated the deposition efficiency (E), finding it to be enhanced by increasing the spray pressure from 1 to 1.5 bar, but to be lowered when the number of operating sprays was increased, demonstrating the multiple spray system to be less efficient than a single spray. Far-field AgNPs emission showed a particle concentration increase of less than 10% as compared to the background level. This finding suggests that under our experimental conditions, our spray-coating process is not a critical source of worker exposure. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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18 pages, 5122 KiB  
Article
The Bio-Persistence of Reversible Inflammatory, Histological Changes and Metabolic Profile Alterations in Rat Livers after Silver/Gold Nanorod Administration
by Ying Liu, Hairuo Wen, Xiaochun Wu, Meiyu Wu, Lin Liu, Jiahui Wang, Guitao Huo, Jianjun Lyu, Liming Xie and Mo Dan
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2656; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11102656 - 9 Oct 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1659
Abstract
As a widely applied nanomaterial, silver nanomaterials (AgNMs) have increased public concern about their potential adverse biological effects. However, there are few related researches on the long-term toxicity, especially on the reversibility of AgNMs in vivo. In the current study, this issue was [...] Read more.
As a widely applied nanomaterial, silver nanomaterials (AgNMs) have increased public concern about their potential adverse biological effects. However, there are few related researches on the long-term toxicity, especially on the reversibility of AgNMs in vivo. In the current study, this issue was tackled by exploring liver damage after an intravenous injection of silver nanorods with golden cores (Au@AgNRs) and its potential recovery in a relatively long term (8 w). After the administration of Au@AgNRs into rats, Ag was found to be rapidly cleared from blood within 10 min and mainly accumulated in liver as well as spleen until 8 w. All detected parameters almost displayed a two-stage response to Au@AgNRs administration, including biological markers, histological changes and metabolic variations. For the short-term (2 w) responses, some toxicological parameters (hematological changes, cytokines, liver damages etc.) significantly changed compared to control and AuNRs group. However, after a 6-week recovery, all abovementioned changes mostly returned to the normal levels in the Au@AgNRs group. These indicated that after a lengthy period, acute bioeffects elicited by AgNMs could be followed by the adaptive recovery, which will provide a novel and valuable toxicity mechanism of AgNMs for potential biomedical applications of AgNMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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15 pages, 3500 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles and Ionic Silver Separation Using a Cation-Exchange Resin. Variables Affecting Their Separation and Improvements of AgNP Characterization by SP-ICPMS
by Mònica Iglesias and Laura Torrent
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2626; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11102626 - 6 Oct 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2393
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are frequently found in everyday products and, as a consequence, their release into the environment cannot be avoided. Once in aquatic systems, AgNPs interact with natural constituents and undergo different transformation processes. Therefore, it is important to characterize and quantify [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are frequently found in everyday products and, as a consequence, their release into the environment cannot be avoided. Once in aquatic systems, AgNPs interact with natural constituents and undergo different transformation processes. Therefore, it is important to characterize and quantify AgNPs in environmental waters in order to understand their behavior, their transformation, and their associated toxicological risks. However, the coexistence of ionic silver (Ag+) with AgNPs in aquatic systems is one of the greatest challenges for the determination of nanosilver. Ion-exchange resins can be used to separate Ag+ from AgNPs, taking advantage of the different charges of the species. In this work, Dowex 50W-X8 was used to separate Ag+ and AgNPs in order to easily determine AgNP concentrations using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The separation methodology was successfully applied to river water samples with different ratios of Ag+ and AgNPs. However, the methodology is not useful for wastewater samples. The described methodology also demonstrated an improvement in the determination of the particle size of AgNPs present in river waters by single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry when a significant amount of Ag+ is also present. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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16 pages, 3855 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticle-Based Sensor for the Selective Detection of Nickel Ions
by Andrea Rossi, Marco Zannotti, Massimiliano Cuccioloni, Marco Minicucci, Laura Petetta, Mauro Angeletti and Rita Giovannetti
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(7), 1733; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11071733 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 4292
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used as a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) colorimetric sensor; the correlation between the SPR phenomenon and the aggregation state of nanoparticle allows the real-time detection of a target molecule. Surface functionalization of NPs with proper molecular baits is [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used as a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) colorimetric sensor; the correlation between the SPR phenomenon and the aggregation state of nanoparticle allows the real-time detection of a target molecule. Surface functionalization of NPs with proper molecular baits is often performed to establish the selectivity of the sensor. This work reports on the synthesis of AgNPs under reducing conditions and on the functionalization thereof with mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA). UV-VIS Spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs, eliciting a surface plasmon absorption band (SPAB) at 393 nm that shifted to 417 nm upon surface coating. Dynamic light scattering was used to investigate the surface coatings; moreover, pelleted AgNPs@11MUA nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analyzers (EDX), and infrared spectroscopy to corroborate the presence of 11MUA on the surface. Most interestingly, the resulting AgNPs@11MUA selectively detected micromolar levels of Ni2+, also in the presence of other cations such as Mn2+, Co2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Cr3+. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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16 pages, 4395 KiB  
Article
Study of the Stability of Citrate Capped AgNPs in Several Environmental Water Matrices by Asymmetrical Flow Field Flow Fractionation
by Aaron Boughbina-Portolés, Lorenzo Sanjuan-Navarro, Yolanda Moliner-Martínez and Pilar Campíns-Falcó
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(4), 926; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11040926 - 5 Apr 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2938
Abstract
Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to UV-Vis and dynamic light scattering (DLS) detectors in series, was tested for stability studies of dispersions of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in several water matrices. The main goal is to provide knowledge to understand their possible [...] Read more.
Asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) coupled to UV-Vis and dynamic light scattering (DLS) detectors in series, was tested for stability studies of dispersions of citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in several water matrices. The main goal is to provide knowledge to understand their possible behavior in the environment for short times since mixturing (up to 180 min). Ultrapure (UPW), bottled (BW1, BW2), tap (TW), transitional (TrW) and sea water (SW) matrices were assayed. Observations were compatible with the aggregation of AgNPs, a change in the plasmon band and a size growth with time were done. Fractograms showed different evolution fingerprints in the function of the waters and batches. The aggregation rate order was BW2, SW, TrW, BW1 and TW, being BW2 the lowest and TW the highest. NP aggregation can be induced by increasing the salt concentration of the medium, however transitional and sea waters did not follow the rule. Both matrices presented a lower aggregation rate in comparison with other aqueous matrices with much lower ionic strength (BW1 and TW), which can be explained by the potential presence of dissolved organic matter and/or the high concentration of halides providing their stabilization and passivation, respectively. AF4 provides relevant information with respect to static DLS and UV-Vis Spectroscopy showing that at least two populations of aggregates with different sizes between them, depending on both, the mixture time for a given matrix and type of water matrix for the same time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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20 pages, 3293 KiB  
Article
Phytotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles on Tobacco Plants: Evaluation of Coating Effects on Photosynthetic Performance and Chloroplast Ultrastructure
by Petra Peharec Štefanić, Karla Košpić, Daniel Mark Lyons, Lara Jurković, Biljana Balen and Mirta Tkalec
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 744; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030744 - 16 Mar 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 2774
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most exploited nanomaterial in agriculture and food production, and their release into the environment raises concern about their impact on plants. Since AgNPs are prone to biotransformation, various surface coatings are used to enhance their stability, which may [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most exploited nanomaterial in agriculture and food production, and their release into the environment raises concern about their impact on plants. Since AgNPs are prone to biotransformation, various surface coatings are used to enhance their stability, which may modulate AgNP-imposed toxic effects. In this study, the impact of AgNPs stabilized with different coatings (citrate, polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)) and AgNO3 on photosynthesis of tobacco plants as well as AgNP stability in exposure medium have been investigated. Obtained results revealed that AgNP-citrate induced the least effects on chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters and pigment content, which could be ascribed to their fast agglomeration in the exposure medium and consequently weak uptake. The impact of AgNP-PVP and AgNP-CTAB was more severe, inducing a deterioration of photosynthetic activity along with reduced pigment content and alterations in chloroplast ultrastructure, which could be correlated to their higher stability, elevated Ag accumulation, and surface charge. In conclusion, intrinsic properties of AgNP coatings affect their stability and bioavailability in the biological medium, thereby indirectly contributing changes in the photosynthetic apparatus. Moreover, AgNP treatments exhibited more severe inhibitory effects compared to AgNO3, which indicates that the impact on photosynthesis is dependent on the form of Ag. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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24 pages, 6147 KiB  
Article
Supported Silver Nanoparticles as Catalysts for Liquid-Phase Betulin Oxidation
by Anna Grigoreva, Ekaterina Kolobova, Ekaterina Pakrieva, Päivi Mäki-Arvela, Sónia A. C. Carabineiro, Alina Gorbunova, Nina Bogdanchikova, Dmitry Yu. Murzin and Alexey Pestryakov
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 469; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11020469 - 12 Feb 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1929
Abstract
Herein, it has been shown that betulin can be transformed into its biologically active oxo-derivatives (betulone, betulinic and betulonic aldehydes) by liquid-phase oxidation over supported silver catalysts under mild conditions. In order to identify the main factors determining the catalytic behavior of nanosilver [...] Read more.
Herein, it has been shown that betulin can be transformed into its biologically active oxo-derivatives (betulone, betulinic and betulonic aldehydes) by liquid-phase oxidation over supported silver catalysts under mild conditions. In order to identify the main factors determining the catalytic behavior of nanosilver catalysts in betulin oxidation, silver was deposited on various alumina supports (γ-alumina and boehmite) using deposition–precipitation with NaOH and incipient wetness impregnation methods, followed by treatment in H2 or O2. Silver catalysts and the corresponding supports were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that the support nature, preparation and treatment methods predetermine not only the average Ag nanoparticles size and their distribution, but also the selectivity of betulin oxidation, and thereby, the catalytic behavior of Ag catalysts. In fact, the support nature had the most considerable effect. Betulin conversion, depending on the support, increased in the following order: Ag/boehmite < Ag/boehmite (calcined) < Ag/γ-alumina. However, in the same order, the share of side reactions catalyzed by strong Lewis acid centers of the support also increased. Poisoning of the latter by NaOH during catalysts preparation can reduce side reactions. Additionally, it was revealed that the betulin oxidation catalyzed by nanosilver catalysts is a structure-sensitive reaction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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17 pages, 4097 KiB  
Article
Starch-Capped AgNPs’ as Potential Cytotoxic Agents against Prostate Cancer Cells
by Mariana Morais, Vera Machado, Francisca Dias, Carlos Palmeira, Gabriela Martins, Magda Fonseca, Catarina S. M. Martins, Ana Luísa Teixeira, João A. V. Prior and Rui Medeiros
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(2), 256; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11020256 - 20 Jan 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2701
Abstract
One of the major therapeutic approaches of prostate cancer (PC) is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but patients develop resistance within 2–3 years, making the development of new therapeutic approaches of great importance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through green approaches have been studied as [...] Read more.
One of the major therapeutic approaches of prostate cancer (PC) is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), but patients develop resistance within 2–3 years, making the development of new therapeutic approaches of great importance. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through green approaches have been studied as anticancer agents because of their physical-chemical properties. This study explored the cytotoxic capacity of starch-capped AgNPs, synthesized through green methods, in LNCaP and in PC-3 cells, a hormonal-sensitive and hormone-resistant PC cell line, respectively. These AgNPs were synthesized in a microwave pressurized synthesizer and characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Their cytotoxicity was assessed regarding their ability to alter morphological aspect (optical microscopy), induce damage in cytoplasmic membrane (Trypan Blue Assay), mitochondria (WST-1 assay), cellular proliferation (BrdU assay), and cell cycle (Propidium iodide and flow-cytometry). AgNPs showed surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of approximately 408 nm and average size of 3 nm. The starch-capped AgNPs successfully induced damage in cytoplasmic membrane and mitochondria, at concentrations equal and above 20 ppm. These damages lead to cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 and G2/M, blockage of proliferation and death in LNCaP and PC-3 cells, respectively. This data shows these AgNPs’ potential as anticancer agents for the different stages of PC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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13 pages, 4583 KiB  
Article
Silicon-Based Ag Dendritic Nanoforests for Light-Assisted Bacterial Inhibition
by Hung Ji Huang, Han-Wei Chang, Yang-Wei Lin, Shao-Yi Chuang, Yung-Sheng Lin and Ming-Hua Shiao
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2244; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10112244 - 12 Nov 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 1789
Abstract
Silver dendritic nanoforests (Ag-DNFs) on silicon (Ag-DNFs/Si) were synthesized through the fluoride-assisted Galvanic replacement reaction (FAGRR) method. The synthesized Ag-DNFs/Si were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), reflection absorbance spectrometry, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrometry, and [...] Read more.
Silver dendritic nanoforests (Ag-DNFs) on silicon (Ag-DNFs/Si) were synthesized through the fluoride-assisted Galvanic replacement reaction (FAGRR) method. The synthesized Ag-DNFs/Si were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), reflection absorbance spectrometry, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectrometry, and X-ray diffractometry. The Ag+ concentration in ICP-MS measurements indicated 1.033 mg/cm2 of deposited Ag synthesized for 200 min on Si substrate. The optical absorbance spectra indicated the induced surface plasmon resonance of Ag DNFs increased with the thickness of the Ag DNFs layer. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering measurement and a light-to-heat energy conversion test presented the superior plasmonic response of Ag-DNFs/Si for advanced applications. The Ag-DNFs/Si substrate exhibited high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The large surface area of the dense crystal Ag DNFs layer resulted in high antibacterial efficiency. The plasmonic response in the metal–crystal Ag DNFs under external light illumination can supply energy to enhance bacterial inhibition. High-efficiency plasmonic heating by the dense Ag DNFs can lead to localized bacterial inhibition. Thus, the Ag-DNFs/Si substrate has excellent potential for antibacterial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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12 pages, 11660 KiB  
Article
Silver Nanoparticles Alter Cell Viability Ex Vivo and in Vitro and Induce Proinflammatory Effects in Human Lung Fibroblasts
by Anna Löfdahl, Andreas Jern, Samuel Flyman, Monica Kåredal, Hanna L Karlsson and Anna-Karin Larsson-Callerfelt
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1868; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10091868 - 18 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2908
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in commercial and medical applications. However, AgNPs may induce toxicity, extracellular matrix (ECM) changes and inflammatory responses. Fibroblasts are key players in remodeling processes and major producers of the ECM. The aims of this study were to [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are commonly used in commercial and medical applications. However, AgNPs may induce toxicity, extracellular matrix (ECM) changes and inflammatory responses. Fibroblasts are key players in remodeling processes and major producers of the ECM. The aims of this study were to explore the effect of AgNPs on cell viability, both ex vivo in murine precision cut lung slices (PCLS) and in vitro in human lung fibroblasts (HFL-1), and immunomodulatory responses in fibroblasts. PCLS and HFL-1 were exposed to AgNPs with different sizes, 10 nm and 75 nm, at concentrations 2 µg/mL and 10 μg/mL. Changes in synthesis of ECM proteins, growth factors and cytokines were analyzed in HFL-1. Ag10 and Ag75 affected cell viability, with significantly reduced metabolic activities at 10 μg/mL in both PCLS and HFL-1 after 48 h. AgNPs significantly increased procollagen I synthesis and release of IL-8, prostaglandin E2, RANTES and eotaxin, whereas reduced IL-6 release was observed in HFL-1 after 72 h. Our data indicate toxic effects of AgNP exposure on cell viability ex vivo and in vitro with altered procollagen and proinflammatory cytokine secretion in fibroblasts over time. Hence, careful characterizations of AgNPs are of importance, and future studies should include timepoints beyond 24 h. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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22 pages, 7756 KiB  
Article
High Variability in Silver Particle Characteristics, Silver Concentrations, and Production Batches of Commercially Available Products Indicates the Need for a More Rigorous Approach
by Ilse De Leersnyder, Hannes Rijckaert, Leen De Gelder, Isabel Van Driessche and Pieter Vermeir
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(7), 1394; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano10071394 - 17 Jul 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2712
Abstract
Due to the beneficial properties of silver, it is anticipated that the number of commercially available applications will keep growing during the next decade. In this study, 14 different commercial products that claim to contain solid silver were characterized by visual analysis, UV-VIS [...] Read more.
Due to the beneficial properties of silver, it is anticipated that the number of commercially available applications will keep growing during the next decade. In this study, 14 different commercial products that claim to contain solid silver were characterized by visual analysis, UV-VIS spectroscopy, inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Moreover the variation between production batches—which has never been researched before—was investigated. All four techniques corroborated that some products were highly concentrated and contained spherically-shaped silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), while in others, no (solid) silver was detected or only irregularly-shaped silver particles with a high size polydispersity were present. For almost all products, a significant difference between the claimed and measured silver concentration was detected and a high variability between different production batches of the same product was observed. Our results show the need for a more rigorous approach regarding the manufacturing, labeling, and use of silver-containing products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

18 pages, 7891 KiB  
Review
Silver Nanoparticle’s Toxicological Effects and Phytoremediation
by Muhammad Ihtisham, Azam Noori, Saurabh Yadav, Mohammad Sarraf, Pragati Kumari, Marian Brestic, Muhammad Imran, Fuxing Jiang, Xiaojun Yan and Anshu Rastogi
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(9), 2164; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11092164 - 24 Aug 2021
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4537
Abstract
The advancement in nanotechnology has brought numerous benefits for humans in diverse areas including industry, medicine, and agriculture. The demand in the application of nanomaterials can result in the release of these anthropogenic materials into soil and water that can potentially harm the [...] Read more.
The advancement in nanotechnology has brought numerous benefits for humans in diverse areas including industry, medicine, and agriculture. The demand in the application of nanomaterials can result in the release of these anthropogenic materials into soil and water that can potentially harm the environment by affecting water and soil properties (e.g., soil texture, pH, organic matter, and water content), plants, animals, and subsequently human health. The properties of nanoparticles including their size, surface area, and reactivity affect their fate in the environment and can potentially result in their toxicological effects in the ecosystem and on living organisms. There is extensive research on the application of nano-based materials and the consequences of their release into the environment. However, there is little information about environmentally friendly approaches for removing nanomaterials from the environment. This article provides insight into the application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), as one of the most commonly used nanomaterials, their toxicological effects, their impacts on plants and microorganisms, and briefly reviews the possibility of remediation of these metabolites using phytotechnology approaches. This article provides invaluable information to better understand the fate of nanomaterials in the environment and strategies in removing them from the environment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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16 pages, 5011 KiB  
Review
Silver Nanoparticle-Based Nanocomposites for Combating Infectious Pathogens: Recent Advances and Future Prospects
by Md A. Wahab, Luming Li, Hongmei Li and Ahmed Abdala
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 581; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano11030581 - 26 Feb 2021
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 3614
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their nanocomposites with polymers are potent agents for antibacterial and disinfectant applications. The structural parameters of Ag-NPs, such as size, shape, and surface area, are very critical for developing appropriate formulations for the targeted applications. The impact of [...] Read more.
Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and their nanocomposites with polymers are potent agents for antibacterial and disinfectant applications. The structural parameters of Ag-NPs, such as size, shape, and surface area, are very critical for developing appropriate formulations for the targeted applications. The impact of these factors on the performance of Ag NPs is analyzed. Ag NPs with a broad spectrum of antibacterial activities have already found applications in wound and burn dressing, food preservation, agricultural ponds, treatment for infected areas, coatings, water treatment, and other biomedical applications. Ag NPs are quite useful against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, but their level of toxicity needs careful investigation as their toxicity could be very harmful to human health and the environment. This review discusses the challenges and prospects of various Ag NPs and their composites. The review will enrich the knowledge about the efficiency and mechanism of various Ag nanoparticle-based antibacterial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Detection, Characterization and Assessment in Environment)
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