Research data showing the efficacy of silver nanoparticles against Monkeypox and Tacaribe viruses were also reported. Recent studies 19, 20 have confirmed beyond doubt the empirically discovered antimicrobial effect of silver. 16–18 They represent also a potential game changer in medicine as they can deliver the expected health benefits in a more effective and economical way. Nowadays dispersed silver nanoparticles offer many novel properties and are widely used in biology and life science applications, 1–7 microelectronics, 8 catalysis, 9 bio-imaging, 10 solar cells, 11 ink-jet printing, 12 glass and ceramic staining, 13–17 and spectroscopic research. Recent advances in manipulating the physical properties of the metal (particle size, shape, and surface characteristics) have dramatically changed the situation. Due to the technological limitations at the time, bulk forms of silver (foils, coins, wires, silverware, etc.) were primarily used in the pre-modern era. Indeed, the empirically discovered efficacy as disinfectant for water, food, wounds, and household utensils were put to use by many ancient societies. While the ‘noble’ character that gave the metal a currency status was the most coveted, its health benefits were also highly valued. The unique properties of silver have been known and exploited by humans since antiquity. Keywords: colloidal silver, nanodispersion, bio-active, supplement, antimicrobial, UV-Vis analysisĬorrigendum for this paper has been published.Ī Letter to the Editor has been published for this article.Ī Response to Letter has been published for this article. This study serves as blueprint for a scientific protocol to be followed by manufacturers for characterizing their silver supplements. Considering the extensive scientific research showing major differences between silver ionic and silver nanoparticles in terms of mechanisms of action, efficacy and safety, it is clear that this misrepresentation impacts the consumers and must be addressed. Despite the evidence showing that silver nanoparticles are not present, eight of these products are promoted by the manufacturers as ‘colloidal silver’. The FESEM and STEM images confirmed the conclusions of the UV-Vis analysis.Ĭonclusion: The results of this evaluation show clearly that 70% of the commercial products evaluated contain only ionic silver. The colorless product shows no absorbance in the UV-Vis analysis. In general, the Ag concentration was very close to those claimed by the manufacturer. Results: Commercial samples were analysed using UV-Vis, FE-SEM and AAS techniques. Methods: Fourteen of the most popular colloidal silver products purchased from Amazon ( were evaluated using state-of-the-art analytical techniques widely accepted as gold standards for investigating the properties (size, shape) and the dispersion of silver nanoparticles.
This study is the first scientifically rigorous attempt to evaluate commercial silver colloidal products offered for sale on the internet. The lack of standards in the unregulated supplements industry remains a major roadblock in evaluating the quality and consistency of marketed products or assessing the accuracy of the information provided by manufacturers.
Colloidal silver has particularly benefited from this rush given its empirically and scientifically documented anti-bacterial and anti-viral actions. Purpose: The public fear associated with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has triggered recently a significant proliferation of supplements touted as potential cures against bacteria and viruses. 1Ames Electronic Materials Division, South Plainfield, NJ 07080, USA 2Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, 13676, USAĭepartment of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, 123 Science Center, 8 Clarkson Ave, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA
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