Detection of silver nanoparticles in parsley by solid sampling high-resolution-continuum source atomic absorption...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Environmental Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Detection and characterization of engineered nanomaterials in biological matrices are crucial for risk assessment.
• Distinguishing between silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and ionic silver in complex samples presents analytical challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a rapid and straightforward method for detecting and sizing AgNPs directly in solid biological samples.
• To differentiate AgNPs from ionic silver using solid sampling high-resolution-continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS AAS).

Main Methods:

• Utilized solid sampling HR-CS AAS for direct analysis of AgNPs in parsley.
• Introduced atomisation delay and atomisation rates as key parameters for AgNP identification and sizing.
• Employed multivariate experimental design to optimize furnace program parameters (atomisation temperature, heating rate, pyrolysis temperature).

Main Results:

• Atomisation delay effectively distinguished AgNPs from ionic silver, with higher delays observed for ionic silver.
• Atomisation rates correlated with AgNP size, allowing differentiation of 20-, 60-, and 80-nm AgNPs.
• Optimized HR-CS AAS achieved a maximum difference in normalised atomisation delay of 6.27 ± 0.96 s mg⁻¹.

Conclusions:

• Solid sampling HR-CS AAS is a promising technique for the direct identification and differentiation of AgNPs from ionic silver in solid biological samples.
• The developed method offers a fast and simple approach for AgNP analysis in complex matrices.
• Atomisation delay and rates provide valuable insights into the speciation and size of AgNPs.