Antimicrobial Silver in Medicinal and Consumer Applications

2.1. Antimicrobial Silver for Clinical and Medical Usage

This section explores some intriguing and unique patented products utilizing silver for its bactericidal properties in the medical sector, including therapies capitalizing on silver’s antimicrobial characteristics. The product numbers mentioned in this segment correspond to those enumerated in Table 1.

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Surface coatings incorporating silver are quite prevalent. A novel technique involves a method for creating ready-packaged medical devices that self-sterilize when the package is opened, by generating a vapor that activates a silver-infused hydrophilic surface coating (Product No. 1). Silver's antimicrobial properties are exceptionally valued in medical applications, particularly where implanted devices are coated with silver nanoparticles for their antimicrobial benefits. However, it is essential for manufacturers to note that such applications are claimed in a broad patent application (Product No. 2) which states: “An article that is implantable in an animal, the article comprising a microparticulate silver-containing antimicrobial layer stably adhered upon at least one surface of the article.” However, this application has not yet been granted. Invasive surgical instruments, like medical-grade needles (Product No. 3), can also be coated with silver nanoparticles as detailed in their related patent (Product No. 4). Additional medical devices introduced into the human body that contain silver include vascular catheters (Product No. 5), bone implants (Product No. 6), and biliary duct brackets (Product No. 7). Another application involves antimicrobial silver coatings being applied to the interior surfaces of a building's exterior walls (Products No. 8a and 8b).

Another broader application is in topical treatments. Various topical gels with distinct formulations of silver have been patented. The initial usage of silver for treating burn wounds dates back to 1960, in the form of a 0.5% silver nitrate solution and silver sulfadiazine cream. However, these were impractical as the dressings required frequent rehydration. This challenge led to the development of silver nanoparticle-based gels and silver salt-based gels (Products No. 9a, 9b, and 10), all still considered innovative.

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Silver-based wound dressings have shown significant improvements in efficacy compared to standard dressings. With advancements in burn wound management, a method to immobilize silver nanoparticles on a gel-support matrix, which is then affixed to a wound dressing, was discovered (Product No. 11). A newly commercialized wound dressing can be used continuously for up to 7 days or until saturation, eliminating frequent reapplication (see Figure 2). This design releases silver ions gradually upon contact with wound exudates and has a highly absorbent padding with a silicone layer to reduce pain during dressing changes (Product No. 12). It’s widely known that silver-infused wound dressings help reduce scarring, and such formulations are extensively applied (Product No. 13). Several brands offer silver-based wound dressings with various compositions, including MepilexAg, Acticoat, Aquacel, Flaminal, AllevynAg, BiatainAg, and SILVERCEL™. Other patented products containing silver but not specifically designated for wound healing are utilized for treating bacterial infections (Products No. 14a and 14b).

Silver is also extensively used in the dental field. It has been a crucial component in dental amalgam fillings for over a century, although its antimicrobial properties were not patent-protected. Silver is used to prevent infections during and after dental procedures (Product No. 15). Dental support fixtures, denture materials, and other restorative objects comprising silver nanoparticles can diminish bacterial infections, particularly during the initial months of installation (Products No. 16 and 17).

Colloidal or Ionic Silver - what is the difference?

Colloid, by definition, refers to ultra-small particles dispersed in a continuous medium (liquid, in this case) where properties hinge on the large specific surface area. In contrast, ions are atoms either missing an electron or having an extra electron. Most products advertised as “colloidal silver” mainly comprise silver ions rather than silver particles, technically making them silver solutions, not colloids.

Visually, the distinction is clear: Colloidal silver ranges from yellow to brown, with the hue depending on the concentration of silver and particle size (or the product's age). In contrast, ionic silver products are transparent. The presence of silver ions can be confirmed by adding kitchen salt (NaCl), which forms non-soluble silver chloride (AgCl, indicated by white turbidity). Typically, products manufactured via electrolysis (AC, DC, high or low voltage) are ionic silver solutions, not colloids.

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