Investigation of noble metal nanoparticle ζ-potential effects on single-cell exocytosis function in vitro with carbon-fiber microelectrode amperometry.

Since noble metal nanoparticles are increasingly found in consumer goods, there is a need for information about potential impacts of these nanoparticles on cellular function to avoid environmental and health risks associated with exposure. In this study, spherical Au and Ag nanoparticles of similar size were synthesized and modified to assess the effects of ζ-potential on immune cell function. Nanoparticle ζ-potential was controlled by employing surfactant exchange to generate nanoparticles with positive or negative surface charge.