Influence of physicochemical properties of silver nanoparticles on mast cell activation and degranulation.

•Silver nanoparticles induced mast cell degranulation.•Degranulation was dependent on nanoparticle size, shape and surface coating.•Scavenger receptor B1 is involved in the degranulation of mast cells.•Ag+ dissolution did not contribute to mast cell degranulation.•Silver nanoparticles may initiate or promote allergic immune responses.