AGconjugated

AGconjugated refers to molecules or materials that are chemically linked to silver (Ag). In practice, AG-conjugated systems are created by attaching a functional entity such as a biomolecule, dye, polymer, or small ligand to a silver surface or to silver nanoparticles. This conjugation leverages silver’s chemical reactivity and plasmonic properties to enable new functionalities in sensing, imaging, and antimicrobial contexts.

Conjugation to silver is typically achieved through surface chemistry that forms stable Ag–S bonds with thiol groups, or through activated amine or carboxyl groups using coupling chemistries. Linkers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or bifunctional adapters are common to improve stability, solubility, and biocompatibility. Characterization often involves UV-visible spectroscopy to monitor plasmon resonance shifts, transmission electron microscopy to assess size, and infrared or Raman spectroscopy to verify surface functionalities.

Applications span biosensing and diagnostics (for example, radioactive-labeled assays or SERS tags), targeted imaging, and antimicrobial coatings. Ag-conjugated constructs can enhance signal contrast in metal-enhanced fluorescence and surface-enhanced Raman scattering techniques, while silver’s antimicrobial activity can be retained or modulated through the conjugation chemistry.

Challenges include control of aggregation, oxidation of silver surfaces, and potential cytotoxicity in biomedical uses. Stability under physiological conditions and the ability to preserve activity of the conjugated moiety are important design considerations.

See also: silver nanoparticles, bioconjugation, surface plasmon resonance.