Intense X-ray induced formation of silver nanoparticles stabilized by biocompatible polymers

Colloidal Ag nanoparticles were formed by X-ray irradiation in the presence of a polymer. This new synthesis method is simple, rapid and leads to a high production yield. Compared to the citrate-reduced Ag colloidal, polymer-protected Ag nanoparticles are smaller in size and more stable—and therefore suitable for biomedical application—as verified by TEM observation, XAFS measurement and optical characterization. Ag nanoparticles so produced were also visualized in solution and in real time by a visible light microscope based on dark field light scattering. The color-derived size and distribution of Ag nanoparticles correlates well with the hydrodynamic size data.