Why use silver?

The use of silver in various industries and applications has grown significantly in recent years, as the demand for more environmentally friendly and sustainable products has increased. Silver is often considered a more sustainable alternative to other materials, as it is abundant, naturally occurring, intrinsically non toxic and recyclable, it is also a popular choice as a replacement for standard pharmaceutical products which often have undesirable side effects.

Silver particles can be used in many forms: silver sulfadiazine, silver acetate, silver ions, silver nitrate, colloidal silver, nanocrystalline silver, serum silver concentrations, silver wire, silver oxide, silver chloride, to name a few.

In conclusion, silver is a versatile and valuable metal that has a wide range of uses across various industries. Its unique properties, such as high reflectivity, electrical conductivity, and antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-viral properties, make it an ideal material for a thousands of applications, just a few are listed below.

Uses for silver nanoparticles in medical products

• Wound dressings: Silver-impregnated dressings are used to treat infections and promote healing in wounds, silver nitrate has been commonly used for decades to prevent infection.
• Catheters: Silver-coated catheters are used to reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Surgical instruments: Silver-coated medical devices and instruments are used in surgeries to reduce the risk of infections.
• Medical textiles: Silver coatings on textiles such as gowns and bed linens are used in hospitals to reduce the spread of healthcare associated infection.
• Eye drops: Colloidal silver-containing eye drops are used in silver treatments to prevent eye infections.
• Silver dressings: Silver nanoparticle-impregnated bandages are used to treat burns and promote wound healing, particularly in burn wound infection control.
• Silver sutures: silver particles in the fibres to prevent infection and improve wound healing time
• Implants: Silver particles are used in the form of a of silver coating on implants such hip joint replacements and other prosthetics.
• Silver coated endotracheal tubes, silver alloy catheters, and other intrusive medical instruments.

Topical treatment and uses for silver compounds

• Nasal sprays: Silver compounds in nasal sprays are used to treat and prevent sinus infections.
• Burns treatment: Silver nanoparticles in creams and ointments are used to treat burns and promote healing.
• Dental products: Silver- compounds in mouthwashes and toothpastes are used to prevent and treat dental infections.
• Silver compounds are used in creams and sprays for cuts abrasions and general wound care, it is very safe to apply to human skin.
• Silver nanoparticles can be dispersed into the air by using a vaporising machine, evidence suggests that this has a antimicrobial effect on air borne and surface borne bacteria.
• Alternative medicine, silver nanoparticles in the form of colloidal silver is commonly used as a natural and safer option to pharmaceuticals, either as a topical treatment or in the form of colloidal silver dietary supplements.

Use of silver in other medical products and industries

• Medical equipment: Silver nanoparticles are used to coat or line medical equipment such as breathing tubes and breathing masks to reduce the risk of infections.
• Water filtration systems: Silver-impregnated filters are used in water filtration systems to kill bacteria and viruses.
• Air purifiers: Silver-coated air purifiers are used to fog rooms with silver ions to reduce the presence of airborne bacteria and viruses.
• Food packaging: Silver-coated food packaging is used to extend the shelf life of food and prevent spoilage due to bacterial growth.
• Clothing: Silver-coated clothing is available for use in healthcare settings and for outdoor activities to reduce the risk of infections, and transfer of infection.
• Water treatment, colloidal silver products are routinely used to treat water for a broad spectrum of bacterial, and to treat water water cooling towers against legionnaires disease.

General uses for silver compounds

• Jewellery: Silver is used in the production of antimicrobial jewellery, such as silver-coated bracelets, earrings and necklaces, which claim to have antimicrobial properties and can help reduce the risk of infections.
• Disinfectant sprays: some disinfectants and sanitisers contain silver nanoparticles Silver based disinfectant sprays are available for use in households and healthcare settings to kill bacteria and viruses.
• Medical devices: Silver is used in the production of various medical devices, such as oxygen concentrators and nebulisers, to reduce the risk of infections.
• Food storage containers: Silver particles impregnated into food storage containers are available in the market to prevent bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of food.

It is important to note that while silver has been shown to have antimicrobial properties, its efficacy can vary depending on the concentration and formulation used, as well as the type of microorganisms it is used against. Therefore, it is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult with a healthcare provider before using silver-containing products.

Consumer uses for silver compounds

• Sanitisers: Silver particles incorporated into hand sanitisers are available in the market as an alternative to alcohol-based sanitisers which can be harmful to human skin. Alogenic Silver Shield brand silver colloidal silver based sanitisers are gentle on hands and have a neutral odour.
• Electronic devices: Silver ions are used in the production of various electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, this has an antibacterial effect and can prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms on the surface. Colloidal silver works great as a computer screen cleaner and sanitiser, no streaks and no germs!
• Textile and clothing : Colloidal silver incorporated into clothing and textile products, such as socks and underwear are becoming available in the market, primarily for sanitary reasons, colloidal silver can be sprayed on things such as clothing and footwear to reduce smells and bacterial build up, these type of silver treatments are common in fabrics.
• Cleaning products: Silver-based cleaning products, such as sprays and wipes, are available for use in households and healthcare settings to clean surfaces and reduce the risk of infections. It also minimises or eliminates the risk of chronic exposure to harmful cleaning chemicals.

Colloidal silver spray can readily be carried with you for hand and surface sanitising, perfect for people travelling on planes and to places that are not considered sanitary.

It is important to note that while the use of silver in these products has gained popularity, It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using colloidal silver, oral colloidal silver or any other silver based products, especially for medical purposes.

Yet more uses for silver nanoparticles and colloidal silver

• Silver paint and coatings: The use of silver nanoparticles in Silver-based paint and coatings has applications in various industries, such as construction and automotive, for their antimicrobial properties. These coatings can help prevent the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms on surfaces, reduce workplace and healthcare associated infections.
• Food and beverage products: Silver is used in the production of some food and beverage products, such as water and juices, to extend their shelf life and prevent spoilage due to bacterial growth.
• Personal care products: Silver-based personal care products, such as soaps and shampoos, are available in the market and claim to have antimicrobial properties and can help reduce the risk of infections.
• Medical implants: Silver-coated medical implants, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, the embedded silver particles are used to reduce the risk of infections and improve the long-term performance of the device.