Surface Charge-Dependent Toxicity of Silver Nanoparticles

As a result of the extensive number of applications of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), their potential impacts, once released into the environment, are of concern. The toxicity of AgNPs was reported to be dependent on various factors such as particle size, shape and capping agent. Although these factors may play a role in AgNPs toxicity, the results presented herein suggest that surface charge is one of the most important factors that govern the toxicity of AgNPs. In the current study, the toxicity of four AgNPs representing various surface charging scenarios ranging from highly negative to highly positive was investigated. These AgNPs were (1) uncoated H(2)-AgNPs, (2) citrate coated AgNPs (Citrate-AgNPs), (3)…

• UE
  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• OO
  Office of Research and Development