In this study, we aimed to develop a technique for colloidal silver nanoparticle (AgNP) modification in order to increase their stability in aqueous suspensions. For this purpose, 40-nm spherical AgNPs were modified by the addition of either human albumin or Tween-80 (Polysorbate-80). After detailed characterization of their physicochemical properties, the hemolytic activity of the nonmodified and modified AgNPs was investigated, as well as their cytotoxicity and antimicrobial effects. Both albumin- and Tween-80-coated AgNPs demonstrated excellent stability in 0.9% sodium chloride solution (>12 months) compared to nonmodified AgNPs, characterized by their rapid precipitation. Hemolytic activity of nonmodified and albumin-coated AgNPs was found to be minimal, while Tween-80-modified AgNPs produced significant hemolysis after 1, 2, and 24 h of incubation. In addition, both native and Tween-80-covered AgNPs showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on human adipose-tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. The albumin-coated AgNPs showed minimal cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial effects of native and albumin-coated AgNPs against S. aureus, K. pneumonia, P. aeruginosa, Corynebacterium spp., and Acinetobacter spp. were statistically significant. We conclude that albumin coating of AgNPs significantly contributes to improve stability, reduce cytotoxicity, and confers potent antimicrobial action.

Research and development of safe anticancer drugs are among the key areas of cancer treatment. Among the drugs currently under development, ruthenium nanoparticles are extremely promising, offering numerous advantages. One method for producing such nanoparticles is discussed.

The assembly of hybrid compositions based on hierarchical nanoparticles by varying the parameters of the primary structural blocks is discussed. Porous nickel oxide particles obtained by green synthesis and porous silicon nanoparticles with n- and p-type conductivity were used as primary structural blocks in a combination of two size ranges. Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology elemental composition of the particles and compositions. Dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic light scattering were used to characterize the hydrodynamic diameter and zeta potential of the particles and compositions. It was found that the assembly features of hybrid compositions are mainly by the parameters of the larger particle from the pair of primary building blocks, the shape of the particles (isotropic; or anisotropic), and the distribution of the particles surface properties. The particle assembly mechanism is discussed in terms of heterocoagulation of same-charged particles, considering processes at interfaces and changes in the zeta potentials of the primary particles.