The use of metallic silver nanowires in conductive transparent networks (CTN) could introduce new pathways for the interaction of novel fibers and human skin. We discovered that a material property, nanowire bending stiffness that is a function of diameter, controls the cytotoxicity of AgNW to non-immune cells from humans, mice and fish without deterioration of critical CTN performance parameters: electrical conductivity and optical transparency. Both 30- and 90-nm diameter AgNW are readily internalized by cells, but thinner NW are mechanically crumpled by the forces imposed during or after endocytosis while thicker nanowires puncture the enclosing membrane, release silver ions and lysosomal contents to the cytoplasm thereby initiating oxidative stress. This finding extends the fiber pathology paradigm and will enable the manufacture of safer products incorporating silver nanowires.

Crumpling versus puncturing: Biomechanical threshold for the cellular toxicity of silver nanowires

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.