The behavior of AgNPs in simulated gastric fluids (SGFs) with and without pepsin was studied through time-dependent UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The dissolution at the initial stage and the subsequent particle growth and aggregation were observed in the absence of pepsin in SGF. On the other hand, individual AgNPs were protected via the formation of protein corona when pepsin was introduced into SGF. In addition, the agglomeration of AgNPs continued in SGF with pepsin, and gap narrowing between AgNPs was observed during the agglomeration. Flocculation eventually occurred as a result of continuous agglomeration. In addition, the degree of the agglomeration of AgNPs was found to be determined by the relative quantity of nanoparticles and pepsin. The experimental results indicate that the status of individual NPs and their congregative characteristics should be considered in the evaluation of the safety and toxicity of nanometer-scale materials.

通过时间依赖性紫外-可见吸收光谱和透射电子显微镜研究了 AgNPs 在含有和不含胃蛋白酶的模拟胃液 (SGFs) 中的行为。在 SGF 中不存在胃蛋白酶的情况下观察到初始阶段的溶解和随后的颗粒生长和聚集。另一方面，当胃蛋白酶被引入 SGF 时，单个 AgNPs 通过形成蛋白质电晕得到保护。此外，AgNPs 在 SGF 中与胃蛋白酶继续团聚，并且在团聚过程中观察到 AgNPs 之间的间隙变窄。絮凝最终作为连续附聚的结果发生。此外，发现AgNPs的团聚程度由纳米颗粒和胃蛋白酶的相对量决定。