Fraudulence in cosmetic ingredients is becoming increasingly prevalent, alongside the rising demand and utilization of cosmetics within the populace. One of the whitening agents still utilized in cosmetics is mercury, present in forms such as mercury chloramide (HgNH2Cl2) and mercury chloride (HgCl2). Prolonged mercury exposure can have adverse health effects. To address this issue, alternative mercury analysis methods in samples have been developed, including the utilization of silver nanoparticles amalgamated with sweet potato starch as a stabilizing agent. This paper aims to delve into the roles of silver nanoparticle AgNO3 and sweet potato starch (as a stabilizer) as a sensor for mercury detection, which can be applied in cosmetic products. Detection of mercury utilizing nanoparticles is based on the Surface Plasmon Resonance phenomenon, which endows a high level of selectivity and sensitivity toward the presence of mercury metal ions. When interaction occurs between mercury metal and silver nanoparticles, the liquid undergoes a color change from yellowish-brown to transparent. This phenomenon arises from the oxidation of AgO (yellow) to Ag+ ions (transparent) by the mercury metal. Consequently, a silver nanoparticle sensor utilizing sweet potato starch as a stabilizing agent exhibits the potential to detect mercury metal within a substance with high efficacy.
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