Silver as an antimicrobial: facts and gaps in knowledge.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Silver and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have widespread applications in healthcare, food, and consumer products.
• Increased usage necessitates evaluating the safety, environmental toxicity, and microbial resistance associated with silver and AgNPs.
• While ionic silver's antimicrobial mechanisms are known, AgNP interactions with microbes and resistance pathways remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of silver usage and its applications.
• To synthesize current knowledge on microbial resistance and toxicity related to silver and AgNPs.
• To identify gaps in understanding AgNP environmental impact and propose regulatory improvements.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on silver and AgNP applications, toxicity, and microbial resistance.
• Analysis of existing data on silver concentration and species in environmental compartments.
• Synthesis of information regarding bacterial resistance mechanisms to silver and AgNPs.

Main Results:

• Silver and AgNPs are extensively used, leading to potential safety and environmental risks.
• There is limited understanding of microbial resistance mechanisms specifically to AgNPs.
• Environmental toxicity and accumulation of AgNPs require further investigation.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of AgNP interactions with microorganisms and their environmental fate is crucial.
• Tighter regulations and better control over the usage of silver and AgNPs are recommended.
• Further research is needed to address the knowledge gaps concerning AgNP safety and environmental consequences.