Silver nanoparticles: aggregation behavior in biorelevant conditions and its impact on biological activity

作者：Péter Bélteky, Andrea Rónavári, Nóra Igaz, Bettina Szerencsés, Ildikó Y. Tóth, Ilona Pfeiffer, Mónika Kiricsi, Zoltán Kónya · 发表于：International Journal of Nanomedicine · 年份：2019 · DOI：10.2147/ijn.s185965 · 被引用次数：285 · 研究领域：Nanoparticles: synthesis and applications、Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications、Advanced Nanomaterials in Catalysis

PURPOSE: The biomedical applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are heavily investigated due to their cytotoxic and antimicrobial properties. However, the scientific literature is lacking in data on the aggregation behavior of nanoparticles, especially regarding its impact on biological activity. Therefore, to assess the potential of AgNPs in therapeutic applications, two different AgNP samples were compared under biorelevant conditions. METHODS: Citrate-capped nanosilver was produced by classical chemical reduction and stabilization with sodium citrate (AgNP@C), while green tea extract was used to produce silver nanoparticles in a green synthesis approach (AgNP@GTs). Particle size, morphology, and crystallinity were characterized using transmission electron microscopy. To observe the effects of the most important biorelevant conditions on AgNP colloidal stability, aggregation grade measurements were carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy and dynamic light scatterig, while MTT assay and a microdilution method were performed to evaluate the effects of aggregation on cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity in a time-dependent manner. RESULTS: The aggregation behavior of AgNPs is mostly affected by pH and electrolyte concentration, while the presence of biomolecules can improve particle stability due to the biomolecular corona effect. We demonstrated that high aggregation grade in both AgNP samples attenuated their toxic effect toward living cells. However, AgNP@GT proved le...