One of the main values of silver is its antiseptic properties which are of high priority for a healthy way of life. Silver nanoparticles are noted for their bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal effects. Besides, they actively suppress moulds and blue-green seaweeds.
In January, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev speaking at the session of the Council for Implementation of National Priority Projects and Demographic Policy instructed the government and parliament members to speed up the development of national projects. Silver can play an important role in Russia’s Health Project.
Many countries have introduced a whole range of hygienic means based on nanosilver. Thus, in this country the Institute of Nanotechnologies of the International Conversion Fund (ZAO Nanoindustria) has received the Certificate of State Registration for AgBion-2, a solution of nanosilver particles, which it currently turns out. Bactericide silver nanoparticles may be put on a surface or implanted into the structure of traditional materials and coatings to modify their composition and give them new consumer properties.
The most perspective areas of application for nanosilver may include disinfection of surfaces in premises, furniture, sanitary-engineering equipment, medical appliances, linen, items of care for patients suffering from bacterial, viral or mycotic infections, agricultural premises (cowsheds, hen houses, pigsties, hotbeds, etc.); disinfection of water and other liquids; manufacturing various kinds of packing materials and containers, as well as water filters and conditioning systems.
Nanosilver is already known for its commercial application in more than 300 consumer goods. For instance, Silver Nano (Samsung’s own technique) is used in the company’s new range of RL refrigerators. In essence, by means of silver nanoparticles it prevents reproduction of microorganisms on the walls of refrigerating and freezing chambers. The technique sterilizes up to 99.9% of bacteria and prevents occurrence of extraneous smells in refrigerator chambers. In the new Samsung notebooks the keyboard is equipped with nanosilver-coated plastic elements to reduce the transfer of infectious diseases.
However, not all everything is going unequivocally well with nanosilver. For example, when washed away into environment nanosilver may have dangerous aspects since it destroys a number of friendly bacteria. Besides, some of the dangerous germs or bacteria may develop a resistance to nanosilver in the same way as is the case with antibiotics. Therefore, experts suggest abstaining from nanosilver additives in products and drinks until its maximum permissible concentration will not be approved. Notably, the European Union is amidst discussion concerning the position of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which recommended not using nanosilver (also known by its historical name as “colloidal silver”) as a food additive since January1, 2010.
Today, nanosilver advertising looks sometimes well-timed and sometimes ill-timed. In 2009, there was even established the Silver Nanotechnology Working Group which included, among other organizations, the Silver Institute, Silver Research Consortium, Bayer Material Science, Nanoorizons, Servicious Industriales, and BYK Chemie. It is obvious, that there is a speculative aspect about it all: during the crisis silver firms are searching for new product niches and by means of large advertising campaigns they are developing new sales markets.
The Russian silver manufacturers, in particular OAO Polymetal, cannot stand aside from the National Health Project. Priorities in using nanosilver should be given to motherhood and childhood protection. However, it is impossible to lose one’s sense of proportion: is necessary to use nanosilver in proper dosage and proper cases to minimize negative consequences of nanotechnologies.
Vladimir Teslenko for Rough&Polished
