Fast, facile synthesis method for BAL-mediated PVP-bismuth nanoparticles

Bismuth is a water-insoluble non-toxic metallic element used in a wide array of pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, and catalysts, among others. Yet, the research regarding the use of bismuth nanoparticles (BiNPs) for antimicrobial treatments is scarce. Most of the current protocols for synthesizing BiNPs suitable for medical uses cannot be easily replicated in non-specialized laboratories. The objective of this work is to provide a fast, facile and economical method for synthesizing BiNPs. Bismuth nanoparticles were synthesized by a chemical reduction process, in less than 1 h, in a heated alkaline glycine solution; by the chelation and reduction of the bismuth (III) ions using dimercaptopropanol (BAL) and sodium borohydride respectively, and then coated and stabilized by polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The resulting PVP-BiNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). • We describe a simple, rapid and inexpensive method for the synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles. • This method allows synthesizing small nanoparticles with an aspect ratio close to one. • Bismuth nanoparticles have antimicrobial properties, this easy-to-replicate protocol may further the research on bismuth nanoparticles for biomedical applications.