A Pharmacological and Toxicological Profile of Silver as an Antimicrobial Agent in Medical Devices
Open Access
- 24 August 2010
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Hindawi Limited in Advances in Pharmacological Sciences
- Vol. 2010, 1-16
- https://doi.org/10.1155/2010/910686
Abstract
Silver is used widely in wound dressings and medical devices as a broad-spectrum antibiotic. Metallic silver and most inorganic silver compounds ionise in moisture, body fluids, and secretions to release biologically active . The ion is absorbed into the systemic circulation from the diet and drinking water, by inhalation and through intraparenteral administration. Percutaneous absorption of through intact or damaged skin is low. binds strongly to metallothionein, albumins, and macroglobulins and is metabolised to all tissues other than the brain and the central nervous system. Silver sulphide or silver selenide precipitates, bound lysosomally in soft tissues, are inert and not associated with an irreversible toxic change. Argyria and argyrosis are the principle effects associated with heavy deposition of insoluble silver precipitates in the dermis and cornea/conjunctiva. Whilst these changes may be profoundly disfiguring and persistent, they are not associated with pathological damage in any tissue. The present paper discusses the mechanisms of absorption and metabolism of silver in the human body, presumed mechanisms of argyria and argyrosis, and the elimination of silver-protein complexes in the bile and urine. Minimum blood silver levels consistent with early signs of argyria or argyrosis are not known. Silver allergy does occur but the extent of the problem is not known. Reference values for silver exposure are discussed.Keywords
This publication has 145 references indexed in Scilit:
- Biogenic Silver for Disinfection of Water Contaminated with VirusesApplied and Environmental Microbiology, 2010
- Mode of antiviral action of silver nanoparticles against HIV-1Journal of Nanobiotechnology, 2010
- Anti-proliferative activity of silver nanoparticlesBMC Cell Biology, 2009
- Septicemia as a cause of death in burns: An autopsy studyBurns, 2006
- Occupational MethaemoglobinaemiaToxicological Reviews, 2003
- Methemoglobinemia secondary to topical silver nitrate therapy—a case reportBurns, 1999
- ArgyriaNew England Journal of Medicine, 1999
- Do burn patients have a silver lining?Burns, 1992
- Sensitivity to silver in a patient treated with silver sulphadiazine (Flamazine)Burns, 1992
- Generalisierte ArgyroseDeutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946), 1990