Biotransformation studies of Bismuth Silicate Nanofibers in the Lysosome-like Environment

Abstract

Understanding the life cycle of nanoparticles is one of the major concerns that needs to be addressed. In this study, we have evaluated the bio-transformations of bismuth silicate nanofibers, considering the potential applications of bismuth and silicon dioxide nanoparticles in the biomedical field. Our studies have shown that bismuth silicate nanofibers lose their technologically relevant optical properties very rapidly when introduced into the biological environment. In the meantime, there was an increase in pH and electrical conductivity was observed which might be due to the released metal ions by the degradation of the bismuth silicate nanofibers. SEM images confirm the transformations in the nanofiber's morphology and show saline-like material attached to the degraded nanofibers, which can be a possible reason for the loss of optical properties. These results provide initial information about the behavior of the nanoparticles in the lysosome-like environment.