Human serum albumin stabilizes aqueous silver nanoparticle suspensions and inhibits particle uptake by cells

Incubation of 20 nm silver nanoparticles with human serum albumin (HSA) stabilizes the nanoparticles against aggregation and dissolution and produces particles that can be lyophilized for longterm storage and redispersed in water consistently. Biological studies of this stabilized material showed reduced toxicity and cellular uptake compared to other 20 nm particles. Human serum albumin forms a protein corona that stabilizes silver nanoparticles in water better than commercial polymers.