Plasmonic silver nanoparticles : in-situ monitoring and evaluation of cytotoxicity.

Abstract

For some years, the interest in the synthesis of plasmonic silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) has grown considerably, in view of their numerous applications, such as tumor biomarkers and drug carriers. However, for the effectiveness of the application of Ag NPs an adequate control of the synthesis and consequently of the structural as well as optical properties of Ag NPs is necessary. This work aims to highlight synthesis and characterization methodologies that allow a more effective control of the formation of Ag NPs, using a flow and batch reactor. For this purpose, in-situ and ex-situ measurements of pH value, optical spectroscopy, synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering have been performed in Germany. After storage the Ag NPs were characterized again in respect of their size and zeta potential. In an attempt to avoid aggregation of the Ag NPs and increase their stability, a non-ionic surfactant, the Polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene Block Copolymer (Pluronic® F68) was added to the surface of Ag nanoparticles. Due to the potential pharmaceutical applications of Ag NPs, their cytotoxicity was investigated. It is noteworthy that Ag NPs cytotoxicity toward RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line was dose-dependent for the sample with lower size and also size-dependent in our experimental conditions.