Silver, Ag, has been known since antiquity, and it is used as a currency metal. It has long been valued as a precious metal used in ornaments and jewellery and in high-value tableware and utensils. Recorded use of silver to prevent infection dates to ancient Greece and Rome. It was rediscovered in the Middle Ages, where it was used for several purposes, such as to disinfect water and food during storage, and also for the treatment of burns and wounds as wound dressing. In the 19th century, sailors on long ocean voyages would put silver coins in barrels of water and wine to keep the liquid pure. Mongolians have used Silver bowls to keep and store goat’s milk, ensuring its freshness. Silver is non-toxic, non-allergic and non-cumulative.
Silver inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi and is widely used in topical gels and impregnated into bandages because of its wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity where infection control is critical. It also keeps odour to a minimum and reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal infection.
The anti-microbial properties of silver stem from the chemical properties of its ionized form, Ag+. Ag+ Silver Ion forms strong molecular bonds with other substances used by bacteria to respire, such as molecules containing sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen. Once the Ag+ ion complexes with these molecules, they are rendered unusable by the bacteria, depriving it of necessary compounds and eventually leading to the bacteria's death. Silver is known to kill some 650 species of bacteria or viruses simply by coming into contact with them. Its germicidal effects kill many microbial organisms in vitro. Silver ion in content of 0.01 mg/litre in water can completely kill E. coli bacteria. Thus, Silver Ions, Ag+, can be used efficiently as an antimicrobial in medicines, filters, clothing and personal hygiene products.
Silver’s chemical structure allows it to have high catalyst ability and thus it can cause decomposition of harmful vapours such as formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia etc. Making use of such unique characteristics, Silver Ions are infused into the bamboo charcoal for antibacterial and decomposition capabilities. We now call Ag+ Silver Ions Bamboo Charcoal.
Modern Advanced Applications of Silver:
- Water purification systems for space shuttle by NASA
