Environmental and biological influences on the stability of silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are easily dispersed and stable, and their application has become widespread. Consequently, concern has arisen regarding their potential effects on the environment and human health. However, the current understanding on the stability of Ag NPs is limited. Therefore, in this study the influence of environmental and biological factors, such as ionic strength, valence, biological molecules, pH and temperature, on the properties of Ag NPs was investigated. The absorption spectra, size, zeta potential, and release of silver ions were evaluated. Ionic strength, valence, Dulbecco??s Modified Eagle??s Medium (DMEM), without fetal bovine serum (FBS), reduced the stability of the Ag NPs. However, in DMEM with 10% FBS, the Ag NPs maintained their stability and nanoscale characteristics. These findings provide an essential insight into the environmental and biological factors that should be evaluated in a risk assessment of Ag NPs.