Question

Why are chelates of silver utilised in impregnation procedures ?

Answer 1

Chelates of silver are ions of silver in solution. Chelates of silver is different from colloidal silver. In colloidal silver, silver particles in suspension. Chelates of silver utilised in various impregnation procedures. Here we will take an example of silver impregnated cellulose and will discuss the reason behind use of chelates of silver in impregnation procedure in the following lines.

1. Silver has bactericidal effect - Silver ions such as Ag+ are known to be killing bacteria by inhibiting DNA replication, structural change in cell membrane and negatively interfering in electron transport.

2. Bacteria have very low natural tendency to become tolerant against silver.

3. When adequate concentration of silver is used for antimicrobial activity, there is no toxic effect on mammalian cells.

This is why chelates of silver utilised in impregnation procedures.