Silver nanoparticles at interfaces: Critical processes in environmental and plant interactions

Abstract

Interfacial interactions control the environmental risk of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by mediating their exposure and biological outcome relationships. Despite recognizing their importance, current risk paradigms fail to adequately capture the inherent complexity of these reactive interfaces - dynamic systems where multiscale transformations and biological interactions occur simultaneously. This often results in oversimplified models that poorly predict real-world behavior. Here, we synthesize recent advances in understanding AgNP interfacial behaviors, including abiotic transformations (i.e., partitioning, dissolution, sulfidation, and chlorination) and plant-nano interactions. We present an integrated framework that combines in situ characterization techniques, computational approaches that integrate thermodynamic datasets with computational chemistry models at environmental relevant low concentrations, and life-cycle-oriented mesocosm experiments, to quantitatively link interfacial processes with biological impacts. The resulting mechanistic insights advance predictive risk assessment in multi-scale environments and inform the development of safer nanotechnology applications in natural systems.

Keywords: Corona; Dynamic interaction; Ecological impacts; Interfacial transformations; Multiscale interfaces.