The Role of Calix[n]arenes and Pillar[n]arenes in the Design of Silver Nanoparticles: Self-Assembly and Application

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are an attractive alternative to plasmonic gold nanoparticles. The relative cheapness and redox stability determine the growing interest of researchers in obtaining selective plasmonic and electrochemical (bio)sensors based on silver nanoparticles. The controlled synthesis of metal nanoparticles of a defined morphology is a nontrivial task, important for such fields as biochemistry, catalysis, biosensors and microelectronics. Cyclophanes are well known for their great receptor properties and are of particular interest in the creation of metal nanoparticles due to a variety of cyclophane 3D structures and unique redox abilities. Silver ion-based supramolecular assemblies are attractive due to the possibility of reduction by “soft” reducing agents as well as being accessible precursors for silver nanoparticles of predefined morphology, which are promising for implementation in plasmonic sensors. For this purpose, the chemistry of cyclophanes offers a whole arsenal of approaches: exocyclic ion coordination, association, stabilization of the growth centers of metal nanoparticles, as well as in reduction of silver ions. Thus, this review presents the recent advances in the synthesis and stabilization of Ag (0) nanoparticles based on self-assembly of associates with Ag (I) ions with the participation of bulk platforms of cyclophanes (resorcin[4]arenes, (thia)calix[n]arenes, pillar[n]arenes).

Phytotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles on Tobacco Plants: Evaluation of Coating Effects on Photosynthetic Performance and Chloroplast Ultrastructure

“…In recent studies, it was revealed that AgNP stability is also dependent on the composition and type of the exposure medium [ 24 , 25 ]. The use of various surface coatings in their synthesis influences the physiochemical properties of AgNPs, not only by reducing particle agglomeration and enhancing their stability but also by modulating toxic effects [ 4 , 18 , 26 , 27 ]. The synthesis method of AgNPs can also have an impact on their toxicity [ 28 ].…”

In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles Phytosynthesized Using Raphanus sativus L. Waste Extracts

“…In its "nano" form, silver was proven to be an important candidate for application in biomedicine, in applications such as antimicrobial, anticancer, or anti-diabetic therapy, wound repair and bone healing, or as biosensors [7]. Their application exceeds this area, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) being used in different other areas, included, but not limited to catalysis, microelectronics, wastewater treatment, or renewable energy [8,9].…”

Single-Step Green Synthesis of Highly Concentrated and Stable Colloidal Dispersion of Core-Shell Silver Nanoparticles and Their Antimicrobial and Ultra-High Catalytic Properties

“…), adopted process type, and equipment type. The controlled synthesized AgNPs have a wide range of applications in the fields of catalysis and biosensor, and biochemistry [ 6 , 7 ]. Previously, AgNPs have been prepared by the physical [ 8 ] and chemical [ 9 ] methods.…”