Understanding Nanosilver with Negative Zeta Potential
This article delves into the science behind nanosilver, specifically focusing on the importance of its negative zeta potential (negative surface static charge) in medical and antimicrobial applications. We’ll explore its chemical and physical properties, its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and the safest methods for its use. We’ll also highlight key studies and patents supporting its effectiveness, particularly in targeting viruses like coronavirus.
What is Nanosilver?
Nanosilver refers to silver particles that are small enough to exhibit unique chemical behaviours. When silver particles are reduced to the nanoscale, their physical properties are significantly altered. A particularly important characteristic is the negative zeta potential that nanosilver can hold. This negative zeta potential is responsible for the particle’s enhanced antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
The only way to produce nanosilver with a negative surface charge is by using nothing other than distilled water electrolysis with pure silver electrodes. This ensures a stable negative surface charge without the risk of contaminantion from other chemicals used in the manufactoring process. This form of nanosilver is highly stable, long-lasting, and safe for medical use.
The Science Behind Nanosilver’s Effectiveness
Nanosilver has been widely studied for its antimicrobial properties, particularly its ability to combat bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Silver nanoparticles are known to interact with the surface proteins of viruses, rendering them inactive, which is why nanosilver has shown promise in inhibiting the replication of viruses like the coronavirus.
Studies have demonstrated that nanosilver with a negative zeta potential is more effective than traditional silver compounds, such as silver salts or ionic silver (Ag+), due to its unique electrostatic properties. This negative charge gives nanosilver superior antiviral and fungicidal activity and makes it a potent candidate for fighting mixed infections, where bacteria thrive in the presence of weakened immune systems due to viral infections.
Key Research Findings:
- Nanosilver particles prevent viral particles from entering host cells (Galdiero et al., 2011).
- Nanosilver reduces cell apoptosis and inhibits virus replication (Lv et al., 2014).
- It is effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including coronaviruses (Ria et al., 2014; Zhu et al., 2015).
The Safety of Nanosilver
Concerns about argyria, a cosmetic condition resulting in a blue-gray discoloration of the skin, often arise when nanosilver is ingested in large amounts. However, these cases are linked to the consumption of extreme quantities of poorly manufactured silver products, typically those with positive charges (Ag+). Importantly, nebulising nanosilver avoids this risk, as it bypasses the digestive system and avoids reactions with stomach acids that lead to the formation of insoluble silver chloride.
Why Nebulise Nanosilver?
- Nebulised nanosilver has been tested for safety and effectiveness in respiratory treatments, ensuring it remains in its optimal form when reaching the lungs. It is one of the safest methods for delivering silver into the body. By using a nebuliser, the nanosilver solution is directly inhaled into the lungs in a fine mist.
- This process:
- Preserves the integrity of the nanosilver, allowing it to maintain its antimicrobial properties.
- Prevents the silver from interacting with stomach acids, thus avoiding the risk of argyria.
- Offers targeted treatment for respiratory conditions and can serve as a wash for the lungs.
- Ensures safe, controlled, and effective use of nanosilver, providing its antimicrobial benefits without the risks associated with ingestion.
Nanosilver and Its Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial Properties
Nanosilver’s broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties have been extensively documented in scientific literature. It is known to:
- Kill bacteria and fungi by damaging cell membranes.
- Inactivate viruses, including coronaviruses, through its interaction with viral surface proteins.
- Provide anti-inflammatory effects, enhancing immune responses and reducing the risk of infection.
The negative zeta potential of nanosilver enhances its ability to target pathogens without causing significant harm to human cells, making it a safer alternative to traditional antibiotics and antivirals, which often lead to drug resistance.
Nanosilver with a negative zeta potential represents a promising advancement in broad-spectrum antimicrobial treatments. Unlike traditional silver products, which carry significant risks when ingested, nebulised nanosilver is both safe and effective, offering a targeted solution for respiratory infections, including viral ones.
The blood system is negatively charged
The elements of the blood system, vascular walls and red blood cells included, are all negatively charged (Srinivasan, and Sawyer, 1970). Therefore, the negative surface charge on silver nanoparticles could potentially help prevent red blood cell aggregation, allowing for smoother blood flow and better circulation.
Typically, platelets tend to aggregate when they come into contact with a positively charged surface. Therefore, nebulising silver with a negative zeta potential could help prevent thrombosis.
The negative charge could also have a direct effect on the endothelial cells, which are responsible for maintaining the integrity of blood vessels. When activated by negative charged particles, endothelial cells may release nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule that helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Conclusion: The Future of Nanosilver in Medicine
By using distilled water electrolysis to create nanosilver with a negative surface charge, we ensure that it remains stable, effective, and free of contaminants. As more research and patents support its efficacy, nanosilver with a negative zeta potential is poised to become an essential tool in modern medicine, providing an alternative to antibiotics and antivirals that combats infections without contributing to microbial resistance.
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