Antibacterial Silver
1994
Antibacterial Silver
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Julia L. Clement, Penelope S. Jarrett
Primary Institution: School of Chemistry and Applied Chemistry, University of Wales College of Cardiff
Hypothesis
The mechanisms by which silver kills cells are not known.
Conclusion
Silver is effective at low concentrations for long periods and is of extremely low toxicity to humans.
Supporting Evidence
- Silver has been used for water disinfection and the treatment of burns.
- Certain forms of silver are more cytotoxic than others.
- Resistance to silver can be plasmid mediated and is often unstable.
Takeaway
Silver can kill bacteria without harming humans, but scientists are still figuring out how it works.
Methodology
The study involved comparing the antibacterial effects of various silver compounds on resistant and sensitive bacterial strains.
Limitations
The study faced challenges in defining conditions for observing resistance and the effects of different media on silver's antibacterial activity.
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