

While other results are somewhat conflicting, all evidence suggests that both silver ions and AgNPs cause toxicity in human cells.
Silver sulfide charge on silver ion free#
Some researches indicate that cysteine is vital to remove Ag + ion toxicity which is a free chelating agent for (Ag +) ions. AgNPs are converted from Ago form to dissolution or ionization (Ag +) form. Some researchers suggest that AgNPs could serve as a “Trojan horse,” avoiding common barriers, releasing Ag + ions, and causing damage to the cells. The latter mechanism was suggested by many studies. Three main mechanisms that explain AgNPs toxicity have been suggested: (1) AgNPs can directly damage cell membranes due to the nano-size (physical impact), (2) AgNPs and silver ions generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), and (3) AgNPs can release Ag ions. However, to date, there have not been conclusive statements about their toxicity due to the lack of studies on the fate of AgNPs under laboratory conditions. Eventually, AgNPs enter the soil and aquatic environment mainly through wastewater effluents, accidental spillages, industrial runoffs, and agricultural drainage water, where they exhibited substantial toxic effects on different organisms and humans. Moreover, AgNPs are used in the aquaculture industry for rapid disease detection, vaccines, hormones, nutrients, and nanosensors. AgNPs have been widely used in medical applications, including wound dressings, contraceptive devices, surgical instruments, and bone prostheses, in addition to water purifications and indoor air quality management. Accordingly, the use of AgNPs has become extensive with an estimated global production of approximately 500 tons per year. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are one of the fastest-growing products in the nanotechnology industry, due to their distinctive physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity.
