Biocompatible Silver Nanoparticles: Study of the Chemical and Molecular Structure, and the Ability to Interact with Cadmium and Arsenic in Water and Biological Properties.

Federica Bertelà,Paolo Prosposito,Giovanna Iucci,Martina Marsotto,Cecilia Meneghini,Tiziana Persichini,Luca Burratti,Iole Venditti,Valentin-Adrian Maraloiu,Chiara Battocchio,Veronica D’Ezio

doi:10.3390/nano11102540

Abstract

In the field of research for designing and preparing innovative nanostructured systems, these systems are able to reveal the presence of heavy metals in water samples, and can efficiently and selectively interact with them, allowing for future applications in the field of water remediation. We investigated the electronic and molecular structure, as well as the morphology, of silver nanoparticles stabilized by mixed biocompatible ligands (the amino acid L-cysteine and the organic molecule citrate) in the presence of cadmium and arsenic ions. The molecular, electronic, and local structure at the ligands/silver nanoparticles interface was probed by the complementary synchrotron radiation-induced techniques (SR-XPS, NEXAFS and XAS). The optical absorption (in the UV-Vis range) of the nanosystem was investigated in the presence of Cd(II) and As(III) and the observed behavior suggested a selective interaction with cadmium. In addition, the toxicological profile of the innovative nanosystem was assessed in vitro using a human epithelial cell line HEK293T. We analyzed the viability of the cells treated with silver nanoparticles, as well as the activation of antioxidant response.

Highlights

The spread of a wide range of contaminants in surface water and groundwater has become a critical issue worldwide, due to population growth, the rapid development of industrialization and long-term droughts
The energy band has a maximum at 401 nm and a full width at a half maximum (FWHM) equal to 102 nm
We investigated the molecular, electronic and chemical structure of silver nanoparticles chemically stabilized with L-cysteine and citrate (AgNPs/L-cys/citr) and exposed to Cd(II) and As(III) ions in an aqueous solution

Summary

Introduction

The spread of a wide range of contaminants in surface water and groundwater has become a critical issue worldwide, due to population growth, the rapid development of industrialization and long-term droughts. Heavy metal ions such as Cu(II), Co(II), Hg(II), Cd(II), Cr(III), Ni(II), Fe(II), and As(III) are known for their toxicity and negative impact on human health and the environment [1,2,3]. These ions are released into the environment through industrial, domestic, and agricultural activities. Conventional water treatment methods create a heavy impact on the environment: they are often chemically, energetically and operationally intensive, need considerable financial efforts, engineering expertise and infrastructure, accurate maintenance, all of which precludes their use in much of the world. There is an increasing need for more effective, low-energy, low-cost, sustainable and robust methods to decontaminate waters

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Conclusion