Influence of the size and charge of nonstoichiometric silver sulfide nanoparticles on their interaction with blood cells

Abstract

Silver sulfide (Ag₂S) nanoparticles synthesized using different precursors have been characterized by dynamic light scattering measurements and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. In addition to Ag₂S nanoparticles, we have detected Ag₂S/Ag heterostructures. Using optical microscopy, we have examined interaction of the nanoparticles with red cells of peripheral blood. The results of the interaction have been shown to depend on the particle size and charge. A red cell solution containing large, negatively charged particles coagulated, whereas small, positively charged Ag₂S nanoparticles were concentrated around red cells.