Screening test of silver nanoparticles in biological samples by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry

Abstract

A simple, rapid and inexpensive screening test is presented to determine the presence of silver (Ag) nanoparticles in biological samples. The method is based on graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrometry (Zeeman background correction) where an increase in the atomization temperature is observed with an increase in the particle size of Ag. The method is able to determine the presence of Ag ions from the presence of nano-Ag of 20, 60 and 80 nm, but the methodology was less apt to resolve nanoparticles between 20 and 60 nm. The proposed methodology was capable of determining the presence of dissolved Ag(+) from 20 nm in prepared mixtures, and in the liver of rainbow trout exposed to either dissolved or 20-nm nano-Ag.

Methods for Measuring Concentration (Mass, Surface Area and Number) of Nanomaterials

“…The GF-AAS was used to determine Ag NM-based metal signals from dissolved Ag in complex biological samples (fish) based on a higher thermal energy requirement for atomizing Ag NMs compared to Ag ions. 34 Compared to GF-AAS, a flame-AAS is more commonly used, with poorer limits of detection. However, a significant limitation of these AAS studies in measuring NM mass concentration is the use of digested metallic form of the sample.…”

Atomic spectrometry update: Review of advances in the analysis of clinical and biological materials, foods and beverages

“…A respectable LOD of 0.15 mg L À1 for Ag was reported. A unique application of GF-AAS was reported by Gagne et al 123 ] who were able to distinguish between Ag ions and Ag nanoparticles based on the atomisation temperature. The method was developed with standard solutions and the applicability was demonstrated using rainbow trout exposed to either ionic or nano-Ag.…”

Feasibility of the development of reference materials for the detection of Ag nanoparticles in food: neat dispersions and spiked chicken meat

“…Partly as a result of the project, several methods have been published, including single-particle (sp) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) [6], solidsampling atomic absorption spectrometry (ss-AAS) [7] and field-flow fractionation coupled with single-particle or conventional ICP-MS [8]. In addition, variation of atomization temperature was reported to allow a screening for Ag nanoparticles in fish [9].…”