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Published on: February 11, 2016
Quantifying the origin of released Ag+ ions from nanosilver
Georgios A Sotiriou1, Andreas Meyer, Jesper T N Knijnenburg
1Particle Technology Laboratory, Institute of Process Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|October 18, 2012
Summary
Nanosilver
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemistry
Background:
- Nanosilver exhibits potent bactericidal properties valuable in textiles, food packaging, and biomedicine.
- Concerns regarding silver ion (Ag+) release from nanosilver limit its widespread application.
- Controlling Ag+ ion leaching is crucial for safe and effective nanosilver utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop nanosilver supported on nanostructured silica with controlled particle size.
- To investigate the influence of synthesis and conditioning methods on Ag+ ion release.
- To correlate Ag+ ion concentration with nanosilver properties and antibacterial activity.
Main Methods:
- Dry (flame aerosol) and wet chemistry (impregnation) synthesis of nanosilver on silica.
- Characterization using electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction.
- Electrochemical monitoring of Ag+ ion release in deionized water.
Main Results:
- Dispersion method affects Ag+ ion dissolution rate but not the final concentration.
- Equilibrium Ag+ ion concentrations correspond to the dissolution of 1-2 surface silver oxide monolayers.
- Removing oxide layers via washing or H(2) reduction minimizes Ag+ ion leaching and antibacterial activity.
Conclusions:
- Nanosilver's antibacterial activity can be attributed to surface contact rather than dissolved ions.
- Conditioning nanosilver to minimize ion release enhances its suitability for medical tools and hospital applications.
- Surface-mediated antibacterial action offers a safer alternative for nanosilver applications.
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