Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing science of producing and utilizing nano-sized particles that measure in nanometers (1nm = 1 billionth of a meter). One nanomaterial that is having an early impact in healthcare product is nano-silver.

Silver has been used for the treatment of medical ailments for over 100 years due to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.

 The nano silver particles typically measure 25nm. They have extremely large relatively surface area, increasing their contact with bacteria or fungi, and vastly improving its bactericidal and fungicidal effectiveness.

The nano silver when in contact with bacteria and fungus will adversely affect cellular metabolism and inhibit cell growth. The nano silver suppresses respiration, basal metabolism of electron transfer system, and transport of substrate in the microbial cell membrane. The nano silver inhibits multiplication and growth of those bacteria and fungi which cause infection, odor, itchiness and sores.

Nano Silver can be applied to range of other healthcare products such as dressings for burns, scald, skin donor and recipient sites; acne and cavity wounds; and female hygiene products – panty liners, sanitary towels and pants.

Nano Silver is:

• High efficacious
• Fast acting
• Non poisonous
• Non stimulating
• Non allergic
• Tolerance free
• Hydrophilic

Historical Use of Silver

• Ancient European nobilities normally used silver tableware in order to prevent food poisoning.
• Indian people used silver thin film when they keeping food which is easily spoiled.
• The early western settles kept silver coins in their water casks and milk jugs to retard spoiling and contamination.
• In Australia it is still common for settlers to place a piece of silverware in their water tanks to retard spoilage.
• In modern times, silver water purification filters and tablets are available for use in homes, businesses, and on airlines.
• Electrical ionizer units that use silver and copper ions to sanitize swimming pool water – replacing chlorine- have been developed
• Silver is even used by U.S. National Aeronautical and Space Administrative (NASA), and the Russians, to purify water in both countries’ space shuttles.
• Nowadays, there are over 50 silver based medicines in the market, i.e., oral, inject able and topical forms.

Antimicrobial technology is used in various applications, from textiles to medical catheters, to help keep products clean. The technology offers built-in protection and continuously enables products to resist the growth of microbes.