In this study, the protocol of a single-step L-cysteine functionalized silver nanoparticle synthesis was described. Particle size distribution was determined. The crystallinity and chemical properties were investigated using XRD, HR-TEM, and XPS methods. Acute toxicity and irritant properties of obtained nanoparticles were studied using mice and rats as an animal model. The results showed that thanks to the applied protocol, it was possible to synthesize silver nanoparticles with narrow particle size distribution. Moreover, the concentration of final product was extremely high in comparison to other known methods. These nanoparticles showed neither irritant properties nor acute toxicity.
Keywords: Drug carrier; Functionalization; L-cysteine; Silver nanoparticles; Synthesis; Toxicity.