Screening test of silver nanoparticles in biological samples by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple, rapid and inexpensive screening test is presented to determine the presence of silver (Ag) nanoparticles in biological samples. The method is based on graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (Zeeman background correction) where an increase in the atomization temperature is observed with an increase in the particle size of Ag. The method is able to determine the presence of Ag ions from the presence of nano-Ag of 20, 60 and 80 nm, but the methodology was less apt to resolve nanoparticles between 20 and 60 nm. The proposed methodology was capable of determining the presence of dissolved Ag(+) from 20 nm in prepared mixtures, and in the liver of rainbow trout exposed to either dissolved or 20-nm nano-Ag.