Migration and characterisation of nanosilver from food containers by AF4-ICP-MS. (1st January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Artiaga, G.; Ramos, K.; Ramos, L.; Cámara, C.; Gómez-Gómez, M.
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 166(2015)
• Page Start: 76
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2015-01-01
• Subjects: Silver nanoparticles -- Migration -- Food storage container -- Food simulant -- AF4-ICP-MS; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.05.139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: The presence of silver was evaluated in different commercial food containers. Dissolved silver and nanosilver were distinguished during migration tests. A sensitive method for size characterisation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by AF 4 -ICP-MS was proposed. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed AgNP transformations in the extracts. Abstract: In this work, silver migration from commercial food containers was evaluated according to European Regulation 10/2011. Several experimental parameters affected silver release: food simulant, temperature, exposition time and sampled bag area. Results demonstrated a significant silver nanoparticle (AgNP) migration into aqueous and acidic simulants. The amount of silver migrated increased with storage time and temperature although, in general, silver showed a low tendency to migrate into food simulants (17 ng/g). However, the food simulant did not seem to be a really outstanding variable for long term storage. AF 4 -ICP MS was used to confirm the presence of AgNPs in the simulants. The low limit of detection achieved (0.4 μg L −1 ) allowed the identification of AgNPs and their size characterisation (40–60 nm). Finally, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray analysis suggested a possible transformation of the AgNPs detected in the extracts, due to association with other ligands, such as chlorine and sulphur, present in the original containers.