Synthesis and characterization of [110mAg]-nanoparticles with application to whole-body autoradiography of aquatic organisms

Silver nanoparticles (AgNp) were synthesized using aqueous solution of silver nitrate ([110mAg]NO3) with poly(allylamine) as a reducing agent and a stabilizer of the AgNp suspension. Nanoparticles were characterized by absorption spectroscopy, particle size analysis, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. Different size nanoparticles (10–30 nm and 70–90 nm) were obtained by varying the polymer concentration and reaction time. The application of [110mAg]AgNP to environmental studies, using nuclear techniques such as in vivo gamma counting and whole-body autoradiography, is demonstrated and discussed.

► Synthesis of radiolabelled silver nanoparticles in aqueous solution. ► Full characterization by particle size analysis, atomic force microscopy, and electron microscopy. ► Application of radiolabelled silver nanoparticles to environmental studies. ► Use of whole-body autoradiography for nanoparticles precise location in biological tissues.