The role of deep eutectic solvents and carrageenan in synthesizing biocompatible anisotropic metal nanoparticles

[摘要] Plasmonic metal nanoparticles are widely used for many applications due to their unique optical and chemical properties. Over thepast decade, anisotropic metal nanoparticles have been explored for imaging, sensing, and diagnostic applications. The variationsand flexibility of tuning the size and shape of the metal nanoparticles at the nanoscale made them promising candidates for biomedical applications such as therapeutics, diagnostics, and drug delivery. However, safety and risk assessment of the nanomaterials forclinical purposes are yet to be made owing to their cytotoxicity. The toxicity concern is primarily due to the conventional synthesisroute that involves surfactants as a structure-directing agent and as a capping agent for nanoparticles. Wet chemical methodsemploy toxic auxiliary chemicals. However, the approach yields monodispersed nanoparticles, an essential criterion for theirintended application and a limitation of the green synthesis of nanoparticles using plant extracts. Several biocompatible counterparts such as polymers, lipids, and chitosan-based nanoparticles have been successfully used in the synthesis of safe nanomaterials,but there were issues regarding reproducibility and yield. Enzymatic degradation was one of the factors responsible for limiting theefficacy. Hence, it is necessary to develop a safer and nontoxic route towards synthesizing biocompatible nanomaterials whileretaining morphology, high yield, and monodispersity. In this regard, deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and carrageenan as cappingagent for nanoparticles can ensure the safety. Carrageenan has the potential to act as antibacterial and antiviral agent, and adds enhanced stability to the nanoparticles. This leads to a multidimensional approach for utilizing safe nanomaterials for advanced biomedical and clinical applications.

[学科分类] 环境监测和分析

[关键词] anisotropic nanoparticles;carrageenan;cytotoxicity;eutectic solvents;surfactants