The use of biosensors for improving the development of nanotechnology under realistic-use scenarios: Applications for cheaper and more effective silver nanoparticles and nanostructured surfaces

The novel features, based on the exposure of a higher number of atoms on the surfaces, allow nanomaterials to exhibit new or improved features to consumer products, that should be carefully assessed. Here is presented a new method based on the use of biosensors (algal cells) to assess the release of dissolved silver from nanoparticles. Algae were exposed to a) differently coated nanoparticles, b) from nanoparticles differing in their silver content, and c) from nanostructured surfaces differing in the depth at which silver nanoparticles have been embedded. Results shown the importance of chemical coatings, the ratio protein-silver on the AgNP composition and the depth at which are implanted in surfaces, as factors modulating the release of dissolved Ag (i.e. the responsible of the biocide properties of such nanomaterials).