Nanosilver no ‘silver bullet’
A popular treatment for microbial infections may lose its effectiveness when used long-term.
Image by Suphachai Praserdumrongchai from iStock.
New research from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has found that pathogens that form biofilms can evolve to survive nanosilver treatment. The study is the first to demonstrate that long-term nanosilver treatment can increase the risk of recurrent infections.
The research is published in the prestigious Journal of Nanobiotechnology.
Nanosilver is a potent antimicrobial that is currently used in medical devices such as internal catheters, as well as wound dressings, in particular for burn wounds, to fight or prevent infections. It is also one of the most commercialised antimicrobial nanoparticles, and has been incorporated into consumer products from personal care products, such as soaps and toothpaste, to washing machines and fridges, even children’s products, such as in kids socks to prevent odour.
Continue reading on UTS Newsroom: Nanosilver no ‘silver bullet’
