Silver Nanoparticles AgNPs

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are metallic silver particles below 100 nanometres in diameter. At that scale, silver behaves differently from the bulk metal: its surface-area-to-volume ratio is much higher, silver ions can be released from the particle surface, and the particles interact strongly with light. These properties underpin their use in infection control, biosensing, and drug-delivery research. NanoBrand is a Canadian manufacturer of AgNPs, supplied stabilizer-free in standard grades or with custom sizes and surface chemistries.

Illustration of antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles AgNPs

Infection Control

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can disrupt bacterial membranes, proteins, DNA, and energy-producing pathways, including in some antibiotic-resistant strains. Their antimicrobial activity reflects both direct particle–cell interactions and the release of biologically active silver ions.

For this reason, AgNPs are incorporated into antimicrobial coatings and materials for medical devices, surgical tools, wound dressings, hospital textiles, and protective equipment. Particle size, surface chemistry, loading level, release profile, and the intended substrate should be selected for the specific use.

A fuller overview of antimicrobial applications are available on the antimicrobial silver nanoparticles page.

Illustration of the antiviral properties of silver nanoparticles AgNPs

Antiviral Research

Published studies report that silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can show antiviral activity against a range of viruses; some studies also examine antiparasitic activity. Proposed mechanisms include direct interaction with viral particles, inhibition of viral attachment and entry into host cells, interference with replication, and reduced spread between cells.

Applications under investigation include antiviral surface disinfectants, protective coatings, and antiviral formulations for healthcare settings. Ongoing research also evaluates AgNP-based approaches against newly emerging viral pathogens, although performance and safety depend strongly on particle size, surface chemistry, dose, and the intended use.

Representation of silver nanoparticles use for biosensing and diagnostics

Biosensing and Diagnostics

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) absorb and scatter light strongly through localized surface plasmon resonance. The wavelength and intensity of this optical response change with particle size, shape, aggregation state, and changes at the particle surface when an analyte binds. These measurable optical shifts can provide a direct signal for target recognition.

This sensitivity makes AgNPs useful optical readouts for biosensors and imaging methods, including colorimetric, plasmonic, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering approaches. When functionalized with antibodies, aptamers, DNA probes, or other recognition molecules, AgNPs are being developed to detect pathogens, cancer cells, and other disease biomarkers at low concentrations.

Representation of use of silver nanoparticles for drug delivery

Drug Delivery

Research groups engineer the surface of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to carry therapeutic molecules, targeting ligands, or controlled-release coatings. The aim is to increase delivery at the intended site of action, improve local therapeutic activity, and reduce exposure of healthy tissue elsewhere in the body.

This approach is being explored in drug-delivery research for chronic conditions, infections, and cancer therapy, including combination formulations that pair a drug with the intrinsic antimicrobial or anticancer activity of silver. Because AgNPs can also release silver ions and interact directly with cells, particle size, dose, coating, stability, biodistribution, and safety must be evaluated carefully for each intended formulation.

AgNPs manufacturing and supply

NanoBrand supplies silver nanoparticles in two ways: as standard catalogue grades, or as custom formulations when your application requires a different particle size, surface chemistry, concentration, or other specification. Custom projects begin with a target specification developed with your R&D team to match the intended use. Standard products typically ship within two to three weeks. 

Parameter NanoBrand
Purity High purity
Particle size Standard sizes 5-100nm and custom sizes
Surface chemistry Stabilizer-free, custom chemistry on request
Characterization Lot-specific data with every order
Lead time 2 to 3 weeks for standard nanoparticles
Quantities Research scale to bulk manufacturing
Made in Canada
For Universities 10% discount, applied to the purchase order
For returning customers 5% discount, added to the cart automatically

The R&D, Characterization and Bulk Manufacturing services each have their own page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does AgNPs stand for?

AgNPs stands for silver nanoparticles. “Ag” is the chemical symbol for silver, derived from the Latin argentum, and “NPs” is short for nanoparticles; a single particle is written as an AgNP.

The terms Ag nanoparticles, nanosilver, and nano-silver generally describe the same material. The corresponding abbreviation for gold nanoparticles is AuNPs, where “Au” comes from the Latin aurum.

What determines the price of silver nanoparticles?

The specification determines the price, not the weight of silver alone. Particle size, surface chemistry, concentration, batch volume, and characterization requirements each affect the synthesis and quality-control work required, so two orders with the same silver mass may be priced differently. NanoBrand provides quotations based on the target specification for each order.

How do I choose the right silver nanoparticles?

Choose silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) based on the intended application. Particle size, surface chemistry, concentration, shape, and colloidal stability can affect antimicrobial performance, optical response, compatibility with a substrate or formulation, and long-term storage behaviour.

For antimicrobial coatings, the key considerations are particle size, silver loading, release profile, and compatibility with the coating material. For biosensing and diagnostics, narrow size distribution, stable optical properties, and a surface chemistry compatible with the intended recognition molecule are usually most important. NanoBrand can help identify a suitable catalogue grade or define a custom AgNPs specification for your project.

Order Silver Nanoparticles

Schematic representation of a silver nanoparticle AgNP

To order silver nanoparticles from NanoBrand, please let us know the particle size, concentration, and surface coating you need, along with the intended application. This information helps us confirm whether a standard catalogue grade is suitable or recommend a custom formulation. Include the quantity required and any characterization or documentation needs so we can prepare an accurate quotation and lead-time estimate.
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