Self-assembly in systems based on L-cysteine-silver-nitrate aqueous solution: multiscale computer simulation.

We use fully atomistic, quantum mechanics and mesoscopic simulations to investigate multiscale structure formation in a supramolecular system based on aqueous solutions of silver nitrate with L-cysteine (CSS). Fully atomistic modeling reveals that silver mercaptide clusters are formed in solution at the stage of aging, which has a pronounced "core-shell" structure. The core is formed due to the bonding of SAg groups of silver mercaptide (SM) zwitterions while the shell consists of NH and C(O)O groups.

L-Cysteine as a reducing/capping/gel-forming agent for the preparation of silver nanoparticle composites with anticancer properties.

The present article reports the preparation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) homogeneously distributed in the gel matrix formed using only L-cysteine (CYS) as a bio-reducing agent. The physicochemical methods of analysis confirmed the formation of a gel-network from aggregates consisting of spherical/elliptical cystine-stabilized AgNPs (core) and cysteine/Ag complexes (shell) regardless of the used silver salt - AgNO, AgNO or AgOOCCH. CYS/AgNO and CYS/AgOOCCH aqueous solution systems needed the addition of electrolytes (Cl and SO) for the gelation process, but the gel-formation in CYS/AgNO occurred in one stage without any additional components.

Ag/α-AgMoO/h-MoO nanoparticle based microspheres: synthesis and photosensitive properties.

We report a new and the most simple strategy for the synthesis of silver molybdate functional composite microspheres based on low molecular weight gelators -amino acids, silver salts and heptamolybdate ions. The resulting material shows a high photocatalytic activity with respect to the methylene blue dye degradation at neutral pH.

L-Cysteine/AgNO low molecular weight gelators: self-assembly and suppression of MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

We report a new supramolecular hydrogel based on simple amino acids and silver salt compounds with low molecular weights. The in situ formation of silver nanoparticles during the self-assembly process endows the hydrogel with high cytotoxicity towards adenocarcinoma breast cells but no toxic effects towards embryonic fibroblasts.

Mechanism of gelation in low-concentration aqueous solutions of silver nitrate with l-cysteine and its derivatives.

We discuss the results of experimental studies of the processes of gelation in aqueous solutions of silver nitrate with l-cysteine and its derivatives. We focus on understanding what determines if these small molecules will self-assemble in water at their extremely low concentration to form a gel. A mechanism of gel formation in a cysteine-silver solution (CSS) is proposed.