About Silver
Silver Nano Particles
The discovery of antibiotics in the early 20th century led to a cessation in the development of silver as an antimicrobial agent. However, the development of increasing levels of bacterial resistance to most antibiotics in recent years has led to a re-examination of the potential of this ancient remedy including studies with patients using colloidal silver and antibiotics.
The importance of silver
Shiny white precious metal silver is also a natural antibiotic that kills bacteria. This advantage has been recognized since time immemorial. In the past, wealthy Romans ate with knives, forks and silver spoons. They realized that silver prevents them from getting sick. Of course, eating with silverware today is more about showing off wealth than talking about health; But silver still has its place in medicine.
In the last decade, the use of silver as a germ killer has expanded dramatically, and this increase in use has not been limited to medicine. Around 2005, companies began adding a special form of silver to a wide range of their products. This silver was in the form of amazingly fine particles called silver nanoparticles. Today, nanoparticles are used in socks, toothbrushes, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and other items.
How silver nanoparticles work in killing bacteria
From various metal elements known as bactericidal; Silver nanoparticles are receiving more attention due to their strong inhibitory and bactericidal effects. How they work can be interpreted in two ways.
One potential route is that Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), after interacting with bacteria, induce certain types of reactive oxygen species and free radicals, thus damaging intracellular organs. Another mechanism is the ability of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to adhere to the bacterial wall, after which silver nanoparticles penetrate into them by damaging the bacterial cell membrane, leading to leakage of cell contents and death. silver nanoparticles are very effective against various viruses, including immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, herpes simplex virus, and para-virus.
Silver is widely incorporated into surface coatings of electrical goods such as automated bathtubs, laundry washing machines, air purifiers with silver filters and refrigerators, to produce ‘bacteria-free’ products. The is a whole industry around the application of silver nanoparticles to household objects with frequent handling such as keyboards, bath safety aids, and bathroom safety handles. Also, a lot of uses are found around special stand-alone products such as containers for meat or water/wine/milk storage are useful applications where bacterial contamination may present a health issue+
Silver nanoparticles as the last line of defense against viruses
The world is currently in a corona pandemic. The only way to avoid this disease is to avoid contact with the virus. Various strategies have been proposed in this field, the most important of which is the use of masks. But what mostly causes the virus to spread is contaminated surfaces and hand contact with these surfaces. Simple steps can be taken to prevent this from happening. Ag NPs probably act on the surface of the virus and physically inhibit contact with host cells. There is a sulfur atom in the structure of the virus that reacts with silver and is actually destroyed.
Silver nanoparticles with a special structure can be spread on surfaces that are infected with the virus and kill these viruses. One of these studies showed that the use of surface disinfectants containing silver nanoparticles was 50% more effective in killing germs than conventional types.
Nanosilver disinfectants are a safe way to fight corona
Nanosilver disinfectants are a new class of non-alcoholic disinfectants that are expanding rapidly. These materials remove a wide range of microorganisms such as germs, viruses, bacteria, fungi from surfaces and hands without the need for washing. They do not have the negative effects of alcohol use. Studies have shown that nanosilver disinfectant greatly reduces the risk of health infections. And after use, it kills about 99% of germs, bacteria and many viruses.
Silver has wide and ever-expanding applications in medicine, health care, and other daily life activities, with a focus on the applications during the past decade. An analysis of the growth of patents describing antimicrobial silver applications is presented throughout recent studies (please see footnote), along with the commentary of selected examples demonstrating some of the more interesting applications. Our analysis has separated these discussions of the use of silver into four general categories: Medical applications, personal care products, domestic household products, and agricultural/industrial applications.
Sources: Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications: A Patent Review of the Past Decade (2007⁻2017). Sim W., Barnard R.T., Blaskovich M.A.T., Ziora Z.M. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30373130
IEC Partners, COVID-19 Business Response Report, www.iecpartners.com