Colloidal silver has traditionally been used to combat bacterial infections, disinfect medical devices and remove algae from water. Recently, as of 2011, researchers have investigated the molecular mechanisms behind the antibacterial and antialgal properties of colloidal silver and have further tested the compound for potential uses as an anticancer therapy. Advancements have also been made in greener production of colloidal silver, which offers less impact on the environment.
Antimicrobial Properties of Colloidal Silver
An article appearing in the January 2011 issue of "Environmental Science and Technology" reviewed scientific papers concerning the applications and safety of colloidal silver. The authors stated that nanosilver particles, measured in the billionths of a meter, have been used as antimicrobial treatments since the 1930s and have been approved for use since 1954. However, they point out that health concerns were mostly based on cosmetic conditions, such as the discoloration of the skin, upon contact with colloidal silver. The study also states that colloidal silver is primarily used as a topical treatment for infections and to filter and remove algae from water.
Colloidal Silver as a Disinfectant
Colloidal silver has been used as an ingredient in disinfectants. A study published in the February 2011 issue of "Dalton Transactions" investigated the effects of colloidal silver to inactivated E. coli contamination in water. The study found that colloidal silver works by interfering with the atomic composition of the bacteria. The silver atoms can literally pull electrons away from atoms in the bacterial cells and disrupt the metabolism of the microorganism and weaken the cell wall, which ultimately leads to the death of bacteria.
Anti-cancer Benefits
A study appearing in the November 2010 issue of the "Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research" investigated the effects of colloidal silver in combating cancer, as there is scarce information of its potential anti-cancer benefits. The researchers treated human breast cancer cells with colloidal silver and monitored the viability of the cells. The study found that colloidal silver could induce apoptosis, or cell death, of the cells in a dose-dependent manner. Based on their results, the researchers concluded that colloidal silver may have potential as an alternative treatment for human breast cancer.
Green Manufacturing of Colloidal Silver
Environmentally friendly manufacturing of colloidal silver has been investigated in a study appearing in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Colloid and Interface Science." The authors reported that colloidal silver has been produced by reacting silver nitrate (AgNO3) Medicago sativa seed extracts without light-mediated conditions. The authors reported that silver nanoparticle formation reached 90 percent completion in less than 50 minutes. The study found that silver particles processed at 30 degrees Celsius produced spherical particles with diameters ranging from 5 to 51 nanometers. They further found that adjusting the pH to 11 resulted in silver nanoparticles with an average size of 12 nanometers, which is sufficient to act on an atomic level to combat pathogens. The authors concluded that, to their knowledge, this is the first description of M. sativa seed extract-assisted synthesis of silver nanoparticles.
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