Monday, July 26, 2010

Silver nanoparticles in simulated biological media: a study of aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution

Silver nanoparticles in simulated biological media: a study of aggregation, sedimentation, and dissolution: "

Abstract  
Nanoparticles, the building blocks of many engineered nanomaterials, can make their way into the environment or into organisms,
either accidentally or purposefully. The intent of this study is to provide some insight into the complex environmental, health,
and safety issues associated with engineered nanomaterials. In particular, here the state of commercially manufactured silver
nanoparticles—i.e., will silver nanoparticles be present as isolated particles, agglomerates, or dissolved ions—in two simulated
biological media is explored. Two different commercially manufactured silver nanoparticle samples, one that has been surface
modified with a thick polymer coating to render them more water-soluble and the other, with a sub-nanometer surface layer,
are studied. The experimental results and the extended DLVO model calculations show that silver nanoparticles have a propensity
to settle out in high ionic strength media independent of surface modification. Furthermore, single nanoparticles as well
as aggregates/agglomerates are present together in these solutions. Silver ion release in these simulated biological buffers
with pHs of 4.5 and 7.4 is negligible after 96 h.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Research Paper
  • DOI 10.1007/s11051-010-0022-3
  • Authors
    • Larissa V. Stebounova, University of Iowa Department of Chemistry Iowa 52242 IA USA
    • Ethan Guio, University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Iowa 52242 IA USA
    • Vicki H. Grassian, University of Iowa Department of Chemistry Iowa 52242 IA USA
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