Hyperthermic Core-Shell Silver-Gold Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis and Adsorption-Uptake by Macrophages, Fibroblasts...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Gold-coated silver nanoparticles (Ag@AuNPs) offer unique optical properties.
• Green synthesis methods are sought for sustainable nanomaterial production.
• Photothermal applications require nanoparticles with specific absorption characteristics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize Ag@AuNPs using a green method.
• To evaluate their potential for photothermal therapy.
• To assess nanoparticle uptake and cytotoxicity in relevant cell lines.

Main Methods:

• Green synthesis of Ag@AuNPs using Vaccinium corymbosum extract.
• Characterization of core-shell nanostar morphology and optical properties.
• Photothermal efficacy testing under laser irradiation.
• Cellular uptake studies using transmission electron microscopy.
• Cytotoxicity assessment of Ag@AuNPs in macrophages, fibroblasts, and cancer cells.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized nanostar-shaped Ag@AuNPs with a core-shell structure.
• Observed strong absorption at 680 nm, suitable for photothermal applications.
• Achieved a temperature increase to 44.3°C in nanoparticle dispersions under laser excitation.
• Confirmed internalization of Ag@AuNPs by Raw 264.7, Hs27, and 4T1 cells.
• Demonstrated cell viability at the tested nanoparticle concentration.

Conclusions:

• Green synthesized Ag@AuNPs are effective for photothermal applications.
• The nanoparticles exhibit suitable properties for hyperthermia therapy.
• Ag@AuNPs show good biocompatibility and cellular uptake, indicating potential for therapeutic use.