Abstract
The use of silver to control infections was common in ancient civilizations. In recent years, this material has resurfaced as a therapeutic option due to the increasing prevalence of bacterial resistance to antimicrobials. This renewed interest has prompted researchers to investigate how the antimicrobial properties of silver might be enhanced, thus broadening the possibilities for antimicrobial applications. This review presents a compilation of patented products utilizing any forms of silver for its bactericidal actions in the decade 2007–2017. It analyses the trends in patent applications related to different forms of silver and their use for antimicrobial purposes. Based on the retrospective view of registered patents, statements of prognosis are also presented with a view to heightening awareness of potential industrial and health care applications.
Highlights
Silver is a soft and shiny transition metal which is known to have the highest reflectivity of all metals [1]
This review aims to demonstrate the wide and ever-expanding applications of silver in medicine, health care, and other daily life activities, with a focus on the patents registered during the past decade
The use of silver for its antimicrobial properties is increasing in numerous fields, including the medical, consumer, agricultural and industrial sectors
Summary
Silver is a soft and shiny transition metal which is known to have the highest reflectivity of all metals [1]. Silver is known to be biologically active when it is dispersed into its monoatomic ionic state (Ag+ ), when it is soluble in aqueous environments [2]. This is the same form which appears in ionic silver compounds such as silver nitrate and silver sulfadiazine, which have been frequently used to treat wounds [3]. The metallic (Ag0 ) and ionic forms can appear loosely associated with other elements such as oxygen or other metals and can form covalent bonds or coordination complexes [3]
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