Clinical Studies and Reports on the Antimicrobial Qualities of Colloidal Silver

The following PDF documents consist of a variety of clinical studies and independent research reports on the antimicrobial qualities of colloidal silver-related products including silver ions, silver compounds, silver nanoparticles, nanosilver compounds, silver-impregnated and silver-coated products, and many other forms of silver being used in a wide variety of ways, but almost all for the purpose of benefitting from the powerful antimicrobial qualities of silver itself.

These studies and reports are supplied for informational purposes only, and should not be construed in any way as providing medical advice or guidance. They cover a wide range of data on silver, including some surprising findings and discoveries regarding silver’s powerful antimicrobial, infection-fighting and disinfectant qualities.

These studies and reports are compiled here with the intent of giving the reader or researcher a general understanding of the many uses of antimicrobial silver, from a variety of viewpoints, both clinical and personal. The studies are not meant to convey efficacy of any particular colloidal silver product.

Because research into antimicrobial silver is ongoing, and because opinions and conclusions tend to vary depending upon the factors involved in different studies, these studies and reports should be considered merely as a starting point for your own research, and not be considered the final word on silver and its many antimicrobial, infection-fighting or disinfectant benefits.

Note to Publishers and Authors: If you feel any of these PDF files are on this site in violation of copyright, please inform me immediately by email, at sales@TheSilverEdge.com, or at the phone number at the bottom of this page. These PDF files have been garnered from a variety of internet sources where they were found posted with no restrictions. They are here under fair use, and for non-commercial informational purposes only.

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	120 Years of Nanosilver History Demonstrate Its Safety and Repudiate Attempts to Paint It As a "New Substance" With "Unknown Risks" Nanosilver is assumed to be a new material because of the relatively recent emergence of the term “nano”. However, on close inspection nanosilver materials have a long, 120-year history of relatively safe and regulated use, chiefly in the form of colloidal silver. Historical perspective demonstrates that nanosilver has been intentionally manufactured and adopted commercially across a wide spectrum of everyday applications for many decades. To declare nanosilver materials as "new chemicals" with "unknown properties" that are "potentially harmful" simply on the basis of a change in nomenclature to the term “nano,” and ignoring the accumulated knowledge of its scientific and regulatory heritage demonstrating both safety and efficacy in a wide range of applications, would be a mistake that does not serve the public interest.
	History of the Medical Use of Silver Silver has been used for at least six millennia to prevent microbial infections, and was the most important antimicrobial agent available before the introduction of antibiotics.
	The Long History of Silver in Health and Healing The germicidal properties of silver, although not recognized as such, have been utilized since the times of the ancient Mediterranean and Asiatic cultures.
	Nanoparticle Colloidal Silver Proven Safe For Humans This company got tired of the falsehoods and misconceptions being promulgated by against colloidal nanosilver by environmentalists, and has set the record straight!
	Safety Information Related to Nanoscalar-Oligodynamic Silver Ions Another company sets the record straight regarding the safety of nano-sized ionic colloidal silver!
	Science Digest's 1978 Article on Silver and Healing by Jim Powell This is the famous, oft-quoted 1978 Science Digest article on silver and healing, by Jim Powell, in its entirety.
	Activity of Colloidal Silver Preparations Towards Smallpox Virus Colloidal silver demonstrated to be effective against smallpox virus.
	Characterization of Antiplatelet Properties of Silver Nanoparticles Silver nanoparticles prevent blood from clotting in animal model and in vitro.
	Antitumor Activity of Colloidal Silver on MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cells Will colloidal silver be the first big cure for breast cancer?
	Antitumor Activity Of Silver Nanoparticles In Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites Tumor Model Study confirms the antitumor properties of silver nanoparticles, and suggest that they may be a cost-effective alternative in the treatment of cancer.
	Viral Pathogens and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome: Oligodynamic Ag1 for Direct Immune Intervention Retrospective study of silver-based therapeutics briefly reviews their history, and explores the modern application of charged silver particles as an antiviral agent.
	A Mechanistic Study of the Antibacterial Effects of Silver Ions on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Researchers discover one of the ways silver ions destroy pathogens, i.e., by attaching to DNA and preventing the pathogen from replicating.
	Effects of Electrically Generated Silver Ions on Human Cells and Wound Healing Dr. Robert O. Becker's classic study on healing wounds with electrically generated silver ions.
	Antibacterial Activity and Mechanism of Action of the Silver Ion in Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Electrically generated silver ions used in washing machines are shown to cause significant reductions in bacterial counts of Staph aureus and E. coli.
	NASA Document on Silver Ionization Process for Water Purification on Manned Space Flights Silver plays a key role in assuring safe water for manned space crews.
	Silver News, 1st Quarter 2010, Nanosilver Overcomes Blood Platelet Disorders Blood platelet aggregation is serious and can be life threatening; nanosilver may act as an effective anticoagulant.
	The Altman Study: Colloidal Silver, Where Does It Go When You Drink It? How Long Does It Stay There? The classic 1990's study demonstrating the body's ability to effectively excrete silver.
	Antibacterial Efficacy Studies of Silver Nanoparticles Against Escherichia coli ATCC-15224 Silver nanoparticles are shown to dramatically reduce E. coli bacterial counts.
	Anti-bacterial Performance of Colloidal Silver-treated Laminate Wood Flooring Colloidal silver-treated laminate wood flooring keeps the bacteria away.
	Silver-Coated Nylon Fiber as an Antibacterial Agent Silver-coated nylon fabric prevents infections in wounds.
	Silver-Nylon: a New Antimicrobial Agent Silver-coated nylon fabric prevents infections in wounds.
	Bob Beck: Take Back Your Power Dr. Bob Beck's classic treatise on healing with electromedical devices and colloidal silver.
	Bactericidal Activity of Combinations of Silver–Water Dispersion™ with 19 Antibiotics Against Seven Microbial Strains The famous BYU study demonstrating the ability of a colloidal silver solution to boost the effectiveness of antibiotic drugs against drug-resistant microbes.
	Antifungal Textiles Formed Using Silver Deposition in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Supercritical CO2 processing can be used to infuse textiles used in hospitals with silver nanoparticles, giving them profound antifungal properties.
	Bactericidal Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Against Multidrug-resistant Bacteria Silver nanoparticles shown to be effective broad-spectrum biocides against a variety of drug-resistant bacteria.
	In Vitro Evaluation of the Activity of Colloidal Silver Concentrate Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Postoperative Wound Infection Colloidal silver proven effective against multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, one of the most deadly drug-resistant pathogens.
	Colloidal Silver As a New Antimicrobial Agent Colloidal silver was found to be effective against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aregnosa and Salmonells typhi.
	Colloidal Silver for Lung Disease in Cystic Fibrosis An 11-year old Cystic Fibrosis victim with multi-drug resistant Burkholderia multivorans and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia responds to colloidal silver.
	Federal Register: Residues of Silver in Foods from Food Contact Surface Sanitizing Solutions; Exemption from the Requirement of a Tolerance Spray silver disinfectant products are ruled safe for use on food contact surfaces by EPA.
	Ultrastructural Localization and Chemical Binding of Silver Ions in Human Organotypic Skin Cultures The human body is demonstrated to have a specific method of neutralizing the potentially toxic in vitro effects of silver ions on human cells, utilizing the antioxidant glutathione.
	Evaluation of Hazard and Exposure Associated with Nanosilver and Other Nanometal Oxide Pesticide Products The Silver Nanotechnology Working Group demonstrates the history and safety of commercial products containing silver nanoparticles.
	Patent for Antiviral Colloidal Silver Composition "We disclose a colorless composition comprising silver particles and water [manifesting] significant antimicrobial properties including antiviral properties."
	MTR Uses Silver Nano Technology to Enhance Hygiene Levels on Passenger Rail Lines Japanese public railway line uses silver nanotechnology to keep contact surfaces free of pathogens
	Induced Dedifferentiation: A Possible Alternative to Embryonic Stem Cell Transplants Famous Robert O. Becker study demonstrating how electrically generated silver ions can produce tissue regeneration at wound site, or even limb regeneration, thus providing a potential morally acceptable alternative to embyronic stem cell transplants.
	Therapeutic Properties of Silver: A Historical and Technical Review, by S.M. Foran Even now, with over one hundred antibiotics available, there is a fear that many bacteria will become resistant to all antibiotics, plunging humanity back into the conditions that existed in the pre-antibiotic age. This study reviews the historical usage of silver and concludes that oligiodynamic silver in the form of silver ions may well be the answer to this most pressing of medical problems.
	The Effect Of Silver Ions On The Respiratory Chain Of Escherichia Coli Researchers demonstrate that silver ions inhibit the respiratory chain of E. coli, killing the pathogen.
	Promising Cure for URTI Pandemics, Including H5N1 and SARS: Has the Final Solution to the Coming Plagues Been Discovered? (Part II), by Eric Gordon, MD and Kent Holtorf, MD Drs Eric Gordon, MD and Kent Holtorf, MD make their case that oligodynamic silver hydrosol is the safe, natural solution to SARS and other potentially deadly viral pandemics.
	Nanotechnology’s Latest Oncolytic Agent: Silver, Cancer & Infection Associations (Part III) By John Apsley, DC, Kent Holtorf, MD, Eric Gordon, MD, Wayne Anderson, ND, and Rashid Buttar, DO Landmark studies over the past several decades have demonstrated that oligodynamic Ag+ could play a pivotal role in overcoming cancerous processes. This article reviews these findings and offers a proposal for future studies and protocol development.
	Antibacterial Efficacy of Colloidal Silver Alone and in Combination With Other Antibiotics on Isolates from Wound Infections Low dose colloidal silver kills antibiotic-resistant staph and E.coli, and does not interfere with therapeutic efficacy of prescription antibiotics tested.
	Nanotechnology In Medicine And Antibacterial Effect Of Silver Nanoparticles Silver nanoparticles demonstrated to be the answer to the increase in new resistant strains of bacteria against most potent antibiotics.
	Silver Nanoparticles: No Threat to the Environment Dr. George J. Maass demolishes the idea that silver nanoparticles pose a threat to the environment.
	Microbial Multi-Drug Resistance (MDR) and Oligodynamic Silver The idea of silver-resistance among pathogenic microbes is explored, and placed in proper context with actual facts in this white paper by the Immunogenic Research Foundation.
	Safety and Efficacy of Intravenous Oligodynamic Silver Dr. Kent Holtorf, M.D. discusses historical safety and efficacy of various forms of colloidal silver, used orally and intravenously, including oligodynamic silver. [*Web editor's note: Never use colloidal silver intravenously except under a doctor's direction and supervision. Some deaths attributed to the use of intravenous colloidal silver have been recorded in early medical literature. Additionally, colloidal silver for intravenous use must be prepared as an isotonic solution to avoid the lysing of red blood cells.]
	Exposure Related Health Effects of Silver and Silver Compounds -- A Review This critical review of the medical literature dating back to the early 1900's demonstrates that it is soluble silver compounds such as silver nitrate, silver chloride, silver acetate, silver protein and others that are responsible for the vast majority of cases of skin-staining (i.e., argyria) reported in the medical literature. "Many researchers attribute the pigmentation process associated with generalized argyria solely to soluble silver compounds..."
	Technical White Paper: Antimicrobial Activity of Silver (Is Largely Dependent Upon the Presence of Silver Ions) The antibacterial activity of silver ions, metallic silver and silver nanoparticles is discussed in this Technical White Paper from Industrial Biological Services, Ltd. of Berkshire, England. The paper concludes that silver ions are the principle active antimicrobial species of silver, with metallic silver being relatively unreactive, and silver nanoparticles exhibiting size-dependent activity against both bacteria and viruses. The paper also concludes "The mechanism depends on both the concentration of silver ions present and the sensitivity of the microbial species to silver. Contact time, temperature, pH and the presence of free water all impact on both the rate and extent of antimicrobial activity. However, the spectrum of activity is very wide and the development of resistance relatively low, especially in clinical situations."
	Antifungal Properties of Electrically Generated Metallic Silver Ions The well-known 1976 study by R.O. Becker, Berger, Spadaro, Bierman and Chapin, which demonstrated conclusively the powerful antifungal properties of electrically generated silver ions.
	Colloidal Silver in Sepsis The 1915 study published in the Transactions of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Vol. XXVIII, demonstrating electrically generated colloidal silver to be effective against blood-borne infections (i.e., sepsis).
	Ammonia Hypothesis of Ionic Silver Utility In Vivo This is the brilliant blow-by-blow refutation of Frank Key's "silver chloride hypothesis" by Stuart Thomson, director of research at Gaia Research Institute. Thomson demonstrates that, contrary to Key's assertion, hydrochloric acid in the stomach does not render ionic silver insoluble. Rather, naturally occurring ammonia in the human body -- which plays an important role in health and well-being -- acts as a solvent to diminish the bonding effects of hydrochloric acid on silver ions, and renders soluble again any silver bound as AgCl, both in the digestive tract and systemically. This report is excerpted from a long-running debate on The Silver List.
	Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Use of Silver In Wound Therapy 2011 This is an impressive 2011 White Paper by Systagenix Wound Management, explaining the scientific basis for the use of silver dressings in wound management and clinical practice, and providing a general background on silver as an antimicrobial, including details on its mode of action, potential for resistance and safety profile, as well as an overview of the current available commercial silver dressings.
	Silver Nanoparticles As Broad-spectrum Bactericidal and Virucidal Compounds Another great study published in the September 2011 issue of the Journal of Nanobiotechnology, demonstrating the profound bactericidal and virucidal effectiveness of silver nanoparticles, along with implications for the use of AgNP's against HIV and other viral pathogens.
	Colloidal Silver Suspension for Treating Skin Problems in Tropical or Decorative Fish This is a U.S. patent explaining a simple method for using colloidal silver to treat skin problems and topical infections in tropical or decorative fish, including the amounts of colloidal silver to add to the tank each day during treatment time, the level of silver that needs to be reached in the tank for maximum effectiveness, other necessary maintenance and care, as well as expected results.
	Attenuation of Allergic Airway Inflammation and Hyper-responsiveness in a Murine Model of Asthma by Silver Nanoparticles This is a groundbreaking clinical study concluding that silver nanoparticles might be effective in the prevention or treatment of asthma. According to the study authors, "Our study suggests that oxidative stress is an important determinant of allergic airway disease and that silver NPs attenuated oxidative stress in the murine asthma model. Also, by administration of silver NPs, Th2 inflammation, which is one of the main asthma-inducing immune factors, was significantly decreased. We suggest that silver NPs may be useful as a therapeutic strategy through their properties as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents."
	Silver Ion Water Sterilizer By Jowa This company has installed it's silver-based water disinfection systems on thousands of European merchant ships and cruise liners since the 1970s to help prevent bacterial contamination of the ship's water supply. These units -- operating on the same basic principle as a colloidal silver generator -- have been in constant use for forty years, with the occasional replacement of the silver electrodes. Millions of people have drank the silver purified water -- including crew members who drink it regularly.
	Use of Silver Nanoparticles Increased Inhibition of Cell-Associated HIV-1 By Neutralizing Antibodies Developed Against HIV-1 Envelope Proteins Another fascinating study published in the Journal of Nanobiotechnology demonstrating that when silver nanoparticles are added to neutralizing antibodies (i.e., NABs) known to inhibit HIV-1 infection, the potency of the NABs is significantly increased, and HIV-1 transmission and infection is dramatically inhibited. The researchers are apparently working toward developing an antiviral vaginal cream that utilizes silver and NABs to help protect women from becoming infected by an HIV positive partner.
	Novel Microfilaricidal (Anti-Parasite) Activity of Nanosilver This clinical study found that nanosilver has potent anti-parasite effects against the larval stage of the parasite Brugia malayi, a roundworm which infects millions of people in India, China and throughout southeast Asia. The parasite causes a disease known as elephantitis (i.e., elephantiasis), which is characterized by intense and sometimes grotesque swelling of the legs. This may be the first time that silver has been clinically demonstrated to be effective against parasites in any stage beyond the egg stage. The researchers also found nanosilver to be safe when used against this parasite.
	Silver Colloidal Nanoparticles: Antifungal Effect Against Adhered Cells and Biofilms Here's an abstract of a study from 2011 which demonstrated that "silver colloidal nanoparticles" not only had a profound antifungal effect on two forms of Candida, but was also effective in destroying the biofilms produced by these fungal pathogens. Biofilms allow pathogens to adhere to cell walls and help protect them from the immune system and any natural predators in the human body. So this is an important new study, because in many cases biofilms are what stymie modern drug-based therapies from actually getting to the pathogen. Thankfully, silver seems to have no problem busting through the biofilms.
	Silver Colloidal Nanoparticles: Antifungal Effect Against Adhered Cells and Biofilms of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata In this important 2011 study, researchers demonstrate that "silver colloidal nanoparticles" not only have a profound antifungal effect on two forms of Candida, but is also effective in destroying the biofilms produced by these fungal pathogens. Biofilms allow pathogens to adhere to cell walls and help protect them from the immune system and any natural predators in the human body. So this is an important new study, because in many cases biofilms are what stymie modern drug-based therapies from actually getting to the pathogen. Thankfully, silver seems to have no problem busting through the biofilms.
	Genotoxicity, Acute Oral and Dermal Toxicity, Eye and Dermal Irritation and Corrosion, and Skin Sensitization Evaluation of Silver Nanoparticles This is an abstract of a 2012 study published in the journal Nanotoxicology, in which researchers tested silver nanoparticles for genotoxicity, acute oral and dermal toxicity, eye and dermal irritation and corrosion, and skin sensitization. In the bacterial and animal tests performed, the researchers found that silver nanoparticles, at fairly high dosage levels, do not induce genotoxicity or abnormal signs of mortality. There was no oral or dermal toxicity. There was no acute eye or dermal irritation of corrosion, and extremely low skin sensitization. Some cytotoxicity (cell toxicity) was observed in the bacterial tests, which is to be expected since silver is a known bacteriocide. One test animal out of 20 showed low level signs of erythema (i.e., superficial reddening of the skin), prompting researchers to classify the silver nanoparticles used as "a weak skin sensitizer."
	Oral Thrush and Dental Stomatitis: Preliminary Research to Determine if Silver Nanoparticles in Mouthwash and Dentures Might Stop These Infections In a 2012 study published in Letters in Applied Microbiology, Professor Henriques and her team looked at the use of different sizes of silver nanoparticles to determine their anti-fungal properties against Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. These two yeasts cause infections including oral thrush and dental stomatitis, a painful infection affecting around seven out of ten denture wearers. Infections like these are particularly difficult to treat because the microorganisms involved form biofilms. Professor Henriques comments: “With the emergence of Candida infections which are frequently resistant to the traditional antifungal therapies, there is an increasing need for alternative approaches. So, silver nanoparticles appear to be a new potential strategy to combat these infections. As the nanoparticles are relatively stable in liquid medium they could be developed into a mouthwash solution in the near future.”
	Antifungal Effect of Silver Nanoparticles on Dermatophytes Here's an interesting clinical study demonstrating the effectiveness of silver nanoparticles against the pathogen most commonly responsible for toenail fungus. According to the study, "Spherical silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) were synthesized and their antifungal effects on fungal pathogens of the skin were investigated. Nano-Ag showed potent activity against clinical isolates and ATCC strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida species. The activity of nano-Ag was comparable to that of amphotericin B, but superior to that of fluconazole. Additionally, we investigated their effects on the dimorphism of Candida albicans. The results showed nano-Ag exerted activity on the mycelia. Thus, the present study indicates nano-Ag may have considerable antifungal activity, deserving further investigation for clinical applications."
	Mode of Antiviral Action of Silver Nanoparticles Against HIV-1 Silver nanoparticles have proven to exert antiviral activity against HIV-1 at non-cytotoxic concentrations, but the mechanism underlying their HIV-inhibitory activity has not been not fully elucidated. In this study, silver nanoparticles are evaluated to elucidate their mode of antiviral action against HIV-1 using a panel of different in vitro assays. Results: Our data suggest that silver nanoparticles exert anti-HIV activity at an early stage of viral replication, most likely as a virucidal agent or as an inhibitor of viral entry. Silver nanoparticles bind to gp120 in a manner that prevents CD4-dependent virion binding, fusion, and infectivity, acting as an effective virucidal agent against cell-free virus (laboratory strains, clinical isolates, T and M tropic strains, and resistant strains) and cell-associated virus. Besides, silver nanoparticles inhibit post-entry stages of the HIV-1 life cycle. Conclusions: These properties make them a broad-spectrum agent not prone to inducing resistance that could be used preventively against a wide variety of circulating HIV-1 strains.
	Silver Nanoparticles Interactions with the Immune System: Implications for Health and Disease In this study overview of the way silver nanoparticles interact with the immune system, researchers found that silver nanoparticles strongly inhibited cytokine production, and did not show pro-inflammatory effects. According to the study authors, "It has been shown in vivo that silver NPs act to decrease inflammation through cytokine modulation." The implication being that silver nanoparticles may one day play a key role in decreasing inflammation in inflammatory medical conditions. The study overview also found that topical application of silver nanoparticles promotes wound healing.
	Topical Delivery of Silver Nanoparticles Promotes Wound Healing According to the study authors, "We investigated the wound-healing properties of silver nanoparticles in an animal model and found that rapid healing and improved cosmetic appearance occur in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, through quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry, and proteomic studies, we showed that silver nanoparticles exert positive effects through their antimicrobial properties, reduction in wound inflammation, and modulation of fibrogenic cytokines. These results have given insight into the actions of silver and have provided a novel therapeutic direction for wound treatment in clinical practice."

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