Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are extensively used for their antimicrobial properties in commercial products designed for UV-blocking or food packaging. They are also being explored for use in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, X-ray Computed Tomography Imaging, and optical imaging. Because of their high demand, over 500 tons of AgNPs are produced annually and there is a need for tuning and controlling the shape and size distribution, their rate of silver ion release, and the stability of the materials for intended applications. While there are many chemicals, physical, and biochemical methods for producing AgNPs, there is still difficulty in producing samples of homogenous shape and size. Here we present an accessible, fast, and effective synthesis that guarantees the homogeneity of triangular plates with visible light. This technology can transform a variety of differently shaped nanoparticles, with citrate and PVP coatings, into sharp triangular plates. The only protection against this light-driven transformation is the presence of a hybrid-lipid membrane that shields the AgNPs from intense light and heat exposure without shape change or oxidation. We will present UV-Vis spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy to characterize the shape transformation and the stability of the hybrid lipid-coated AgNPs. The light-resistant characteristics of AgNPs will also be presented to identify newfound features of AgNPs that allow for a broader range of applications. These studies will provide valuable information on the resistance of AgNPs to light from their surroundings while also providing a mechanistic understanding of factors governing shape transformation. The toxicity and distribution of AgNPs in using zebrafish models will also be presented to identify features of AgNPs that drive toxicity, nanoparticle distribution, and NBI’s. These studies will provide valuable information on the toxicity of AgNPs and Ag<sup>+</sup> ions released into their surroundings while also providing a potential template for designs on safer nanoparticles.

Enlightened: Silver nanoparticles undergo shape transformations in the presence of light except with encapsulated by hybrid lipid membranes

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