Silver Uptake Research Articles

Effect of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles on Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Wettst. plant growth metabolism

In this present study, interactions of biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles on hydroponically grown Bacopa monnieri (Linn.) Wettst. plant growth metabolism were documented. Estimates of protein, carbohydrate, total phenols, in addition antioxidant enzymes, catalase and peroxidise were assayed in various parts of the plants grown in hydroponic solution. The silver nanoparticles used in this study were synthesized by treating AgNO3 with aqueous leaves extracts of Acalypha indica Linn., a medicinal herb as a source of reductants. Enhanced peroxidase and catalase activity, simulated the stress conditions induced by the silver nitrate treatment. No severe toxic effects were observed in silver nanoparticles treated plants in the morphological studies under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) while structural aberrations were observed in the light microscopic evaluation of root and stem anatomy. Further, the uptake of silver in the root and stem tissues of B. monnieri (Linn.) Wettst. was confirmed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS).

Interspecies comparisons on the uptake and toxicity of silver and cerium dioxide nanoparticles

An increasing number and quantity of manufactured nanoparticles are entering the environment as the diversity of their applications increases, and this will lead to the exposure of both humans and wildlife. However, little is known regarding their potential health effects. We compared the potential biological effects of silver (Ag; nominally 35 and 600-1,600 nm) and cerium dioxide (CeO(2;) nominally <25 nm and 1-5 µm) particles in a range of cell (human hepatocyte and intestinal and fish hepatocyte) and animal (Daphnia magna, Cyprinus carpio) models to assess possible commonalities in toxicity across taxa. A variety of analytical techniques were employed to characterize the particles and investigate their biological uptake. Silver particles were more toxic than CeO(2) in all test systems, and an equivalent mass dose of Ag nanoparticles was more toxic than larger micro-sized material. Cellular uptake of all materials tested was shown in C3A hepatocytes and Caco-2 intestinal cells, and for Ag, into the intestine, liver, gallbladder, and gills of carp exposed via the water. The commonalities in toxicity of these particle types across diverse biological systems suggest that cross-species extrapolations may be possible for metal nanoparticle test development in the future. Our findings also suggest transport of particles through the gastrointestinal barrier, which is likely to be an important uptake route when assessing particle risk.

In situ kinetic study of zinc sulfide activation using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D)

We have studied the activation kinetics of zinc sulfide (ZnS) using silver as an activator by a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The zinc sulfide coating on QCM-D sensor was shown to have similar crystallographic structure, composition, and surface properties as nature sphalerite through the characterization of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and xanthate adsorption measurement using QCM-D. The activation of ZnS sensor by silver was confirmed by the mass increase in ZnS sensor coupled with subsequent xanthate adsorption during QCM-D measurement, the change of surface wettability, and the presence of Ag2S on the surface. Two distinct stages on the silver uptake vs. time curve were identified and fitted well by a logarithmic function for the initial stage and a parabolic law in the later stage, which agrees with the two-stage zinc–silver reaction kinetics reported previously. Argon sputtering followed by XPS measurement on the ZnS surface demonstrated the penetration of silver into the bulk ZnS after activation. The present study is the first of its kind to apply the QCM-D technique to investigate sphalerite activation, which introduces a new in situ approach to investigate surface adsorption and activation in many mineral processes and surface modifications.

Uptake of silver from metallic silver surfaces induces cell death and a pro-inflammatory response in cultured J774 macrophages.

In clinical medicine metallic silver is used as anti-bacterial coating on various catheters, bandages and prostheses. By means of dissolucytosis, i.e. extracellular macrophage-mediated bio-liberation of metal ions, silver ions are continuously liberated from silver surfaces starting within minutes of exposure. The present study investigates how bio-liberation and subsequent cellular uptake of silver ions affects cell viability and cell signalling within the first 3-24 hours of exposure when J774 macrophages are grown directly on a silver surface. Autometallography (AMG) was applied to demonstrate cytoplasmatic silver uptake and localisation after 1, 3, 12 and 24 hours of exposure to metallic silver. From 12 hours onwards the cells were completely filled with silver enhanced silver-sulphur nanocrystals (AMG-silver grains). At the ultrastructural level, the silver accumulations were located to lysosome-like structures. An immunoassay cell death kit found silver-induced apoptosis after 12 and 24 hours of exposure. Necrosis was seen at the same times. Judged by mRNA analysis silver exposure statistically significantly induces TNF-α and m-CSF gene expression, especially at 3 hours. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory IL-10 transcription is reduced by silver uptake and 24 hours of silver exposure induces massive iNOS-2 gene expression. At the same time silver exposure increases the gene expression of metallothionein (MT-I/MT-II), a cystein-rich protein known for its role in detoxifying heavy metals. Our data suggest that silver ions liberated from metallic silver surfaces accumulate in lysosomes, reduce macrophage viability by apoptosis and necrosis and induce a pro-inflammatory response.

Alteration of shell nacre micromorphology in blue mussel Mytilus edulis after exposure to free-ionic silver and silver nanoparticles

This study describes the morphology of inner shell surface (ISS) of the blue mussel Mytilus edulis Linnaeus after short-term exposures to radiolabeled silver in free-ionic ( 110mAg +) and engineered nanoparticulate ( 110mAgNPs, <40 nm) phases. Radiolabeled silver in starting solutions was used in a similar low concentration (∼15 Bq mL −1) for both treatments. After exposure experiments radiolabeled silver was leached from the ISS using HCl. It concentration for shells from both treatments was ∼0.5 Bq mL −1. Whole ISS of young individuals and prismatic layer of adults showed no evidence of any major alteration process after silver uptake. However, the nacre portion of adult mussels exposed to both treatments revealed distinct doughnut shape structures (DSS) formed by calcium carbonate micrograins that covered the surface of aragonite tablets. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging revealed the existence of only minor differences in DSS morphology between mussels exposed to Ag + and AgNPs. From literature survey, DSS were also found in bivalves exposed to Cd 2+. The DSS occurring in a specimen of a field-collected bivalve is also shown. Formation of distinctive DSS can be explained by a disturbance of the shell calcification mechanism. Although the occurrence of DSS is not exclusively associated with metal bioavailability to the mussels, the morphology of DSS seems to be linked to the speciation of the metal used in the uptake experiments.

Metallic Silver Fragments Cause Massive Tissue Loss in the Mouse Brain

Silver is a metal with well-known antibacterial effects. This makes silver an attractive coating material for medical devices for use inside the body, e.g. orthopaedic prostheses and catheters used in neurosurgery as it has been found to reduce the high risk of infections. Lately, the use of nano-silver particles in the industry, e.g. woven into fabrics and furniture has increased, and thus the exposure to silver particles in daily life increases. To study the effect of metallic silver particles on nervous tissue, we injected micron-sized silver particles into the mouse brain by stereotactic procedures. After 7, 14 days and 9 months, the silver-exposed animals had considerable brain damage seen as cavity formation and inflammation adjacent to the injected metallic silver particles. The tissue loss involved both cortical and hippocampal structures and resulted in enlargement of the lateral ventricles. Autometallographic silver enhancement showed silver uptake in lysosomes of glia cells and neurons in the ipsilateral cortex and hippocampus alongside a minor uptake on the contralateral side. Silver was also detected in ependymal cells and the choroid plexus. After 9 months, spreading of silver to the kidneys was seen. Cell counts of immunostained sections showed that metallic silver induced a statistically significant inflammatory response, i.e. increased microgliosis (7 days: p < 0.0001; 14 days: p < 0.01; 9 months: p < 0.0001) and TNF-α expression (7 and 14 days: p < 0.0001; 9 months: p = 0.91). Significant astrogliosis (7, 14 days and 9 months: p < 0.0001) and increased metallothionein (MT I + II) expression (7 and 14 days: p < 0.0001; 9 months: p < 0.001) were also seen in silver-exposed brain tissue. We conclude that metallic silver implants release silver ions causing neuroinflammation and a progressive tissue loss in the brain.

Heavy Metal uptake Potentials of &lt;i&gt;Pseudomonas aeruginosa&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Micrococcus luteus&lt;/i&gt;

Uptake of heavy metals, silver and cadmium by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (a Gram negative bacterium) and Micrococcus luteus (a Gram positive bacterium) was investigated in Cadmium and Silver stock solution using ion selective electrodes. Silver and cadmium uptake by the two organisms was described by Langmuir isotherms. Binding at one site type is indicated. It was observed that both organisms showed rapid uptake of metal mostly in the first minute. Uptake was complete by ten minutes. Micrococcus luteus concentrated more metal than Pseudomonas aeruginosa. M. luteus took up 200% more silver and 100% more cadmium than P. aeruginosa. We conclude that the two organisms, particularly M. Luteus have very high bioremediation potentials in heavy metals polluted environment.Keywords: Heavy metals, Pseudomonas, Langmuir isotherms, Silver, Cadmium

Kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies on biosorption of Ag(I) from aqueous solution by macrofungus Pleurotus platypus

Reports are available on silver binding capacity of some microorganisms. However, reports on the equilibrium studies on biosorption of silver by macrofungi are seldom known. The present study was carried out in a batch system using dead biomass of macrofungus Pleurotus platypus for the sorption of Ag(I). P. platypus exhibited the highest silver uptake of 46.7mgg−1 of biomass at pH 6.0 in the presence of 200mgL−1 Ag(I) at 20°C. Kinetic studies based on fractional power, zero order, first order, pseudo-first order, Elovich, second order and pseudo-second order rate expressions have been carried out. The results showed a very good compliance with the pseudo-first order model. The experimental data were analyzed using two parameter isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Temkin and Halsey), three parameter isotherms (Redlich–Peterson, Sips, Khan, Koble–Corrigan, Hill, Toth, Radke–Prausmitz, Jossens, Langmuir–Freundlich), four parameter isotherms (Weber-van Vliet, Fritz–Schlunder, Baudu) and five parameter isotherm (Fritz–Schlunder). Thermodynamic parameters of the biosorption (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) were also determined. The present study confirmed that macrofungus P. platypus may be used as a cost effective efficient biosorbent for the removal of Ag(I) ions from aqueous solution.

Evaluation of the uptake of cadmium and silver in zebrafish embryos toxicity assays

Evaluation of the uptake of cadmium and silver in zebrafish embryos toxicity assays

Ctr1 transports silver into mammalian cells

Silver is a non-essential, toxic metal. The use of silver as an antimicrobial agent in many applications and its presence as a contaminant in foods and air can lead to accumulation in tissues. Despite its widespread use, the systems involved in the uptake of silver into mammalian cells are presently unknown. Previous studies have shown that copper uptake at the plasma membrane by copper transporter 1 (Ctr1) is inhibited by an excess of silver, suggesting that Ctr1 may function in importing silver into cells. In this study we examined directly the role of Ctr1 in the accumulation of silver in mammalian cells using over-expression experiments and mouse embryonic fibroblast cells lacking Ctr1. COS-7 cells transfected to express a human Ctr1-green fluorescent protein (hCtr1-GFP) fusion protein hyper-accumulated silver when incubated in medium supplemented with low micromolar concentrations (2.5–10 μmol/L) of AgNO 3. An hCtr1-GFPM150L,M154L variant deficient for copper transport failed to stimulate accumulation of silver. Mouse embryonic fibroblast cells lacking Ctr1 showed approximately a 50% reduction in silver content when incubated in silver-supplemented medium compared to a wild-type isogenic cell line. Collectively, these data demonstrate that Ctr1 transports both copper and silver and suggest that Ctr1 is an important transport protein in the accumulation of silver in mammalian cells.

Effects of water-storage on the physical and ultramorphological features of adhesives and primer/adhesive mixtures

The aims of this study were to evaluate the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and elastic modulus (E) of adhesives, and primer/adhesive mixtures after aging for 6 months in water or oil; and to compare silver uptake patterns under the TEM. A one-step self-etching adhesive (One-up Bond F: OB), two two-step self-etching primers (SE Bond: SE and Protect Bond: CP), and two etch-and-rinse systems (Single Bond: SB and Prime&Bond NT: PB) were used. Bonding and primer solutions of self-etching systems were also mixed (SE+P and CP+P). Most adhesives presented decreased UTS after water-storage. Similar or increased UTS was observed after oil storage. Except for SB, E values did not change after water-storage, but they increased after storage in oil. OB, CP+P and SE+P presented more silver uptake. The effects of water-storage were material-dependent, and significantly affected the mechanical properties and silver uptake patterns of adhesives.

A comprehensive study of physical and physiological parameters that affect bio-sorption of metal pollutants from aqueous solutions

An attempt was made to remove silver (I), chromium (III), and lead (II) from aqueous solutions. To optimize the bio-sorption capacity of microorganisms ( Bacillus subtilis and Bacillaceae bacterium), the effect of process parameters such as pH, temperature, metal load and culture age on the metal uptake was investigated. Indigenous strains of B. subtilis and Bacillaceae bacterium found in gold and copper mines in South Africa were exposed to silver (I), chromium (III), and lead (II) solutions under different physico-chemical and physiological conditions. Optimum conditions for the uptake of silver (I), chromium (III) and lead (II) by microorganisms used in this study were determined. The pH range 7–8, higher temperature (45 °C) and stationary growth phase, were observed as being suitable physical and physiological conditions for optimum removal of metals (Ag-87.2%; Cr-94% and Pb-98.5%). On the other hand very low pH (3) adversely affected the metal removal ability of bacteria. Silver (I) was the most poorly uptaken metal. It was also found that silver inhibited bacteria growth. Attempt to elute metal from the above cell biomass showed that 56.6% silver (I) and 88.3% lead (II) could effectively be desorbed at pH 5. It was additionally observed that optimum conditions for metal removal were specific to microbial bio-sorbent and the targeted metal. Design and implementation of bioremediation processes therefore require thorough study of specific interactions among metals and bio-sorbents involved.

ATP7B detoxifies silver in ciliated airway epithelial cells

Silver is a centuries-old antibiotic agent currently used to treat infected burns. The sensitivity of a wide range of drug-resistant microorganisms to silver killing suggests that it may be useful for treating refractory lung infections. Toward this goal, we previously developed a methylated caffeine silver acetate compound, SCC1, that exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against clinical strains of bacteria in vitro and when nebulized to lungs in mouse infection models. Preclinical testing of high concentrations of SCC1 in primary culture mouse tracheal epithelial cells (mTEC) showed selective ciliated cell death. Ciliated cell death was induced by both silver- and copper-containing compounds but not by the methylated caffeine portion of SCC1. We hypothesized that copper transporting P-type ATPases, ATP7A and ATP7B, play a role in silver detoxification in the airway. In mTEC, ATP7A was expressed in non-ciliated cells, whereas ATP7B was expressed only in ciliated cells. The exposure of mTEC to SCC1 induced the trafficking of ATP7B, but not ATP7A, suggesting the presence of a cell-specific silver uptake and detoxification mechanisms. Indeed, the expression of the copper uptake protein CTR1 was also restricted to ciliated cells. A role of ATP7B in silver detoxification was further substantiated when treatment of SCC1 significantly increased cell death in ATP7B shRNA-treated HepG2 cells. In addition, mTEC from ATP7B −/− mice showed enhanced loss of ciliated cells compared to wild type. These studies are the first to demonstrate a cell type-specific expression of the Ag +/Cu + transporters ATP7A, ATP7B, and CTR1 in airway epithelial cells and a role for ATP7B in detoxification of these metals in the lung.

Assessing exposure, uptake and toxicity of silver and cerium dioxide nanoparticles from contaminated environments

The aim of this project was to compare cerium oxide and silver particles of different sizes for their potential for uptake by aquatic species, human exposure via ingestion of contaminated food sources and to assess their resultant toxicity. The results demonstrate the potential for uptake of nano and larger particles by fish via the gastrointestinal tract, and by human intestinal epithelial cells, therefore suggesting that ingestion is a viable route of uptake into different organism types. A consistency was also shown in the sensitivity of aquatic, fish cell and human cell models to Ag and CeO2 particles of different sizes; with the observed sensitivity sequence from highest to lowest as: nano-Ag > micro Ag > nano CeO2 = micro CeO2. Such consistency suggests that further studies might allow extrapolation of results between different models and species.

Mechanistic study of the bactericidal action of silver-loaded chabasite on Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans

The bactericidal action of silver-loaded chabasite against Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans was evaluated by measuring the variations in biogenic sulfate, ATP and biomass dry cell weight (DCW). The experiment was conducted using concrete specimens powder coated with 2.6% (Z-Ag-2.6%) or 18% (Z-Ag-18%) by wt. silver-loaded chabasite. Uncoated (UC) and blank chabasite-coated without silver-loading (ZC) served as control specimens. The growth of the bacterium was not hampered upon exposure to UC and ZC as confirmed by an increase in biomass DCW and cellular ATP. In Z-Ag-2.6%, cellular ATP declined to zero at the end of the experiment and the value of DCW did not increase from an initial value of 100 mg −1. While there was an active biofilm in the UC with a maximum value of 0.1 mg DCW cm −2 and cellular ATP of 0.01 mg cm −2, there was no significant biofilm development in all the zeolite coated specimens. In Z-Ag-2.6% and Z-Ag-18%, a progressive decrease in soluble silver (Ag-S) was observed due to uptake of silver by the bacteria as confirmed by the increase in particulate silver (Ag-P) from 0 to 4 × 10 −2 mg Ag per mg DCW and 0 to 1.14 × 10 −3 mg Ag per mg DCW, respectively. The half-life, T 1/2, for Z-Ag-18% was calculated to be 60 d compared to 700 d for Z-Ag-2.6%.

Silver Uptake and Reuse of Biomass by &lt;i&gt;Saccharomyces cerevisiae&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Chlorella emersonii&lt;/i&gt;

Studies were carried out on the recovery of bound silver and reuse of Chlorella emersonii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae biomass for further silver uptake after they were placed in contact with 20mg/l silver for 30 minutes to allow for maximum binding. It was found that 0.16M nitric acid gave the best recovery rates of silver. We conclude that, although both organisms were amenable to reuse in further binding of silver, Chlorella emersonii was more efficient than Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Both organisms lost efficiency in metal uptake after two cycles of silver uptake and reuse of biomass. Metals may be more amenable to recovery and purification following biosorption than through chemical removal which has been reported elsewhere. Keywords: Biogeotechnology, Silver uptake, Reuse of biomass, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Chlorella emersoniiBio-Research Vol. 6 (1) 2008: pp. 317-319

Quantitative comparison of permeability in the adhesive interface of four adhesive systems

The purpose of this study was to perform quantitative comparisons of water permeable zones in both the adhesive and the hybrid layer before and after thermo cycling in order to assess the integrity of the bonding interface. Twenty eight flat dentin surfaces were bonded with a light-cured composite resin using one of four commercial adhesives [OptiBond FL (OP), AdheSE (AD), Clearfil SE Bond (CL). and Xeno III (XE)]. These were sectioned into halves and subsequently cut to yield 2-mm thick specimens; one specimen for control and the other subjected to thermocycling for 10,000 cycles. After specimens were immersed in ammoniacal silver nitrate for 24 h and exposed to a photo developing solution for 8 h, the bonded interface was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and wavelength dispersive spectrometry (WDS) at five locations per specimen. Immediately after bonding. the adhesive layer of OP showed the lowest silver uptake, followed by CL, AD. and XE in ascending order (p

The Kv channel blocker 4-aminopyridine enhances Ag+ uptake: a scanning electrochemical microscopy study of single living cells.

We report that silver ion (Ag(+)) uptake is enhanced by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a well known voltage-sensitive potassium ion channel (K(v)) blocker. Both bacterial (Escherichia coli) and mammalian (3T3 fibroblast) cells were used as model systems. Ag(+) uptake was monitored with a scanning electrochemical microscope with an amperometric Ag(+) ion-selective electrode (Ag(+)-ISE) and the respiration rates of E. coli cells were measured by oxygen reduction at an ultramicroelectrode. The results showed that not only the amount but also the rate of silver uptake by the cells increased significantly when 4-AP was added to the solution. For fibroblasts, the Ag(+) uptake rate was 4.8 x 10(7) ions per cell per sec without 4-AP compared with 1.0 x 10(8) ions per cell per sec with 0.2 mM 4-AP. For E. coli cells, the uptake rate was 1.5 x 10(4) ions per cell per sec without 4-AP vs. 3.5 x 10(4) ions per cell per sec with 0.5 mM 4-AP and 5.9 x 10(4) ions per cell per sec with 1 mM 4-AP. Thus, 4-AP might be useful where silver is used as antimicrobial agent to speed its uptake.

The nanoleakage patterns of experimental hydrophobic adhesives after load cycling

The purpose of this study was: (1) to compare nanoleakage patterns of a conventional 3-step etch and rinse adhesive system and two experimental hydrophobic adhesive systems and (2) to investigate the change of the nanoleakage patterns after load cycling. Two kinds of hydrophobic experimental adhesives, ethanol containing adhesive (EA) and methanol containing adhesive (MA), were prepared. Thirty extracted human molars were embedded in resin blocks and occlusal thirds of the crowns were removed. The polished dentin surfaces were etched with a 35 % phosphoric acid etching gel and rinsed with water. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (MP), EA and MA were used for bonding procedure. Z-250 composite resin was built-up on the adhesive-treated surfaces. Five teeth of each dentin adhesive group were subjected to mechanical load cycling. The teeth were sectioned into 2 mm thick slabs and then stained with 50 % ammoniacal silver nitrate. Ten specimens for each group were examined under scanning electron microscope in backscattering electron mode. All photographs were analyzed using image analysis software. Three regions of each specimen were used for evaluation of the silver uptake within the hybrid layer. The area of silver deposition was calculated and expressed in gray value. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and post-hoc testing of multiple comparisons was done with the Scheffe's test. Silver particles were observed in all the groups. However, silver particles were more sparsely distributed in the EA group and the MA group than in the MP group (p

Hydrolytic stability of composite repair bond

The hydrolytic stability of composite repairs is a desirable property. In the present study, the composite repair microtensile bond strength, failure mode distribution, and nanoleakage occurrence before and after thermocycling were evaluated. Standardized, 1-month-old composite substrates were roughened, cleaned, and randomly assigned to seven groups according to the intermediate agent applied. Resin-based, silane-based, and combined silane/adhesive coupling agents were investigated. The same resin composite as the substrate was used for repair. For each group, repaired samples were wet stored for 24 h (37 degrees C) or thermocycled (5,000 cycles, 5-55 degrees C). Failure mode and silver nitrate penetration were examined by stereomicroscopy. Intermediate agent, experimental condition, and their interaction were significant factors. Hydrophobic flowable composites resulted in statistically higher repair strengths, lower occurrence of adhesive failures, and good quality interfacial coupling without any silver uptake in both conditions. Light-curing, hydrophilic resin monomer-based intermediate agents, although not affected by thermocycling, showed a more pronounced silver penetration. The composite repair strength of a self-curing silane/adhesive agent was significantly affected by thermal stresses, despite the absence of silver uptake. A prehydrolized silane agent recorded the lowest repair strength, with minimal or no evidence of interfacial silver impregnation after thermocycling. In conclusion, flowability and hydrophobic nature can be considered important properties when selecting intermediate agents for composite repair.