dasnyder at uci.edu (David Snyder) writes:
Michael Gregory <gregeccd at sp.zrz.tu-berlin.de> wrote:
>>I am interested in obtaining information about the effectiveness of sivler
>>and copper ions against bacteria and fungi. :
>Silver is toxic to many bacteria at very low concentrations and is quite
>suitable for disinfection of the human body, etc. because of the small
>amounts of silver needed to denature proteins.
As far as I recall Ag+ ions can block sodium channels in bacterial
membranes. Higher concentrations, of course, could interact with thiol
groups of proteins.
>Silver is, however, too toxic to be used in drinking water purification,
It was used to purify water in Moscow for more than 20 years (late 1880s -
early 1910s).
>or at least I think it would build up in humans and cause toxic reactions.
Never heard of any (other than the Bolshevick revolution :-) Are you
saying silverware is dangerous?
>David Snyder
>dasnyder at uci.edu
Michael Galperin galperin at biotek.mcb.uconn.edu
Molecular and Cell Biology 75304.226 at compuserve.com
Univ. of Connecticut U-125 (860) 486-1898 (lab)
Storrs, CT 06269-3125 (860) 486-4331 (fax)
