Antimicrobials: Healthcare's Silver Bullet Against HAIs?

Three technologies have been used for a number of years in medical applications: silver ion technology, organic biocides in coatings or incorporated into objects, and cationic biocide covalently bonded to a reactive silicone compound. Let’s take a closer look at silver ion technology: a coating system is created by binding silver ions to a ceramic powder called a zeolite, which is then dispersed in a carrier. Child (2005) explains, “The ions are then exchanged with sodium, calcium or other ions when the surface comes into contact with water or body fluids ... While the silver ions may bind non-specifically to cell surfaces and cause disruptions in cellular membrane function, it is widely believed that the antimicrobial properties of silver depend on silver binding within the cell. Once inside the cell, silver ions begin to interrupt critical functions of the microorganism. “