Triangular Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis: Investigating Potential Application in Materials and Biosensing

Triangular silver nanoplates (TSNPs) exhibit unique optical and antimicrobial properties due to their shape, sharp edges, and vertices. In this study, TSNPs were incorporated into biopolymer blends (bacterial cellulose (BC) with polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)). Antimicrobial activity of materials was tested against Escherichia coli ATCC 95922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 (106 CFU/mL). After incubation (24 h at 37 °C, 100 rpm), optical density was measured at 630 nm. In order to assess biosensing applications, specifically fibronectin (Fn) behavior, TSNPs were protected with gold (AuTSNP) and analyzed via sucrose sensitivity test and monitored by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Additionally, AuTSNPs were coated with polyethylene glycol (PEGAuTSNP). Fibronectin functionalization of PEGAuTSNPs and pH-conformation was monitored (FnPEGAuTSNP). Eventually, adequate Fn and anti-Fn antibody concentrations were determined. BC/PHB/TSNPs showed antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus with 80 and 95% of growth inhibition, respectively. The sucrose sensitivity test indicated that the LSPRλmax of the spectra is directly proportional to the sucrose concentration. LSPRλmax of Fn-PEGAuTSNPs at pH 7 and pH 4 were measured at 633 and 643 nm, respectively. A total of 5 µg of Fn was determined to be adequate concentration, while 0.212 mg/mL of anti-Fn antibody indicatied system saturation.