Synthesis route-dependent effects of silver nanoparticles on Girardia sp. regeneration: Comparison of L-tyrosine-assisted, phytochemical and laser ablation methods

Guillermo-Mantilla D.A.; Jáuregui-Rosas S.R.; Pastrana-Alta R.Y.; Agreda-Delgado J.F.; Zavaleta-Espejo G.; Saldaña Jimenez J.A.; Baena-Moncada A.M. · Next Nanotechnology (2026) · DOI: 10.1016/j.nxnano.2026.100753

Resumen

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in environmental, biomedical, and technological applications; however, their biological effects depend on synthesis route, surface chemistry, colloidal behavior, and bioavailability. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized through three routes: chemical reduction using commercial L-tyrosine (AgNPsTy), phytochemical reduction using purple corn cob extract (AgNPsCMM), and pulsed laser ablation in liquid (AgNPsPLAL). The colloids were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, photoluminescence, FTIR-ATR, XRD, DLS, TEM, and SAED. All AgNPs exhibited surface plasmon resonance in the 400–430 nm range, predominantly spherical morphology, and face-centered cubic crystalline structure. Synthesis-dependent differences were observed: AgNPsCMM showed the smallest TEM particle size and highest silver concentration, but also the largest hydrodynamic diameter, suggesting aggregation and phytochemical surface capping; AgNPsPLAL showed lower concentration and a more uniform colloidal profile; and AgNPsTy presented intermediate morphological and colloidal features associated with L-tyrosine-derived stabilization. The biological response was evaluated using Girardia sp. as an in vivo regenerative model by monitoring blastema appearance and complete individual regeneration after short-term exposure. Blastema formation occurred mainly between 3 and 5 days, whereas complete regeneration occurred between 8 and 10 days. ANOVA showed no significant differences in blastema formation time for any AgNP system. Overall, AgNPs synthesized by L-Tyrosine, phytochemical, and PLAL routes did not produce macroscopic impairment of Girardia sp. regeneration under the tested conditions, supporting their comparative assessment for environmental nanotoxicology.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo; Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería