The effect of laser repetition rate on the LASiS synthesis of biocompatible silver nanoparticles in aqueous starch solution

Abstract

Laser ablation-based nanoparticle synthesis in solution is rapidly becoming popular, particularly for potential biomedical and life science applications. This method promises one pot synthesis and concomitant bio-functionalization, is devoid of toxic chemicals, does not require complicated apparatus, can be combined with natural stabilizers, is directly biocompatible, and has high particle size uniformity. Size control and reduction is generally determined by the laser settings; that the size and size distribution scales with laser fluence is well described. Conversely, the effect of the laser repetition rate on the final nanoparticle product in laser ablation is less well-documented, especially in the presence of stabilizers. Here, the influence of the laser repetition rate during laser ablation synthesis of silver nanoparticles in the presence of starch as a stabilizer was investigated. The increment of the repetition rate does not negatively influence the ablation efficiency, but rather shows increased productivity, causes a red-shift in the plasmon resonance peak of the silver-starch nanoparticles, an increase in mean particle size and size distribution, and a distinct lack of agglomerate formation. Optimal results were achieved at 10 Hz repetition rate, with a mean particle size of ∼10 nm and a bandwidth of ∼6 nm 'full width at half maximum' (FWHM). Stability measurements showed no significant changes in mean particle size or agglomeration or even flocculation. However, zeta potential measurements showed that optimal double layer charge is achieved at 30 Hz. Consequently, Ag-NP synthesis via the laser ablation synthesis in solution (LASiS) method in starch solution seems to be a trade-off between small size and narrow size distributions and inherent and long-term stability.

A combined experimental and computational analysis of dexamethasone-conjugated silver nanoparticles for improved surface-enhanced Raman substrate detection.

“…FWHM was used to provide a measure of the extent or spread of the distribution, based on how broad or narrow it is. FWHM depended on several factors, such as the size of the nanoparticles which were subject to the ablation time [39]. It was noted that an increase in the time of ablation led to a decrease in the size of the generated AgNPs, which was re ected by the FWHM, which decreased over time as the distribution narrowed, as illustrated in Fig.…”

Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties of copper oxide nanoparticles produced by laser ablation method in chitosan solution

“…This shows that copper oxide nanoparticles with various concentrations have been successfully synthesized. The darker the color indicates the increase in the concentration of the nanoparticles (Zamiri et al, 2013).…”

Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterial Ink Production Through Laser Ablation Synthesis in Solution for Printed Electronics Applications

“…[30,31] NPs generated by LASiS are used in a multitude of applications, including catalysis [32] and biomedical applications. [33,34] Historically, the application of LASiS for generating ink for FPE has been limited due to the low NP volume production and lack of control over NP diameter. [35,36] In this work, we show that through careful manipulation of optomechanical properties in the LASiS system, we can generate a NP ink with a precise NP particle size distribution that can be directly used for FPE manufacturing.…”