Silver is a noble metal with a long tradition of use; it has always been synonymous with hygiene and safety, and is completely natural. It is called ‘oligodynamic’ for its capacity to exhibit microbial activity at minimal concentrations, so much so that it is considered the most effective antimicrobial agent in the world!

The medical properties of silver have been known since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans were already conscious of its antimicrobial effect, using silver coins as a disinfectant to purify water without causing toxic effects in users. The properties of this metal are still recognised today and used in the medical field: in bone prostheses, reconstructive orthopaedic surgery, cardiac devices, catheters and surgical devices. Silver is therefore used in various forms and derivatives such as ionic silver, as its high antimicrobial effectiveness is matched by its non-toxicity to the environment.

WHAT IS IONIC SILVER USED FOR?

Ionic silver is an antimicrobial and disinfectant with broad-spectrum germicidal action: it is effective against many species of bacteria, fungi and viruses. It can rapidly suppress the growth of pathogens by naturally releasing active ions. Silver ions react and link with the enzymes of microbial cells, inhibiting enzyme activity and the multiplication of microbes, extinguishing them. Moreover, silver is practically non-toxic.

Silver ions associate with the cell wall and cell membrane: the positive charge of the silver ion is crucial for antimicrobial activity, allowing electrostatic attraction between the negative charges of the bacterial cell membrane and the positively charged silver atoms, causing the cell membrane to rupture.

PAPER AND IONIC SILVER – WHY IS IT A PERFECT MATCH?

Paper articles for hygienic use are products made of cellulose, which is a natural fibre. Paper is often stored in places contaminated by bacteria, and cellulose is a natural element where microbes can easily proliferate. These can then be easily transferred to surfaces or skin with which they come into contact. When drying hands with paper towels, hands can reinfect themselves with pathogens present on the surface of the towel, rendering washing almost useless. But then is there a solution to keep hands completely clean even after drying them? The answer is absolutely YES and it is called ECO SILVER PAPER®!

The active ingredient in Eco Silver Paper®, thanks to stabilised silver ions, guarantees resilient antibacterial activity on all types of tissue paper. This is a unique feature on the market that allows us to offer an innovative product with hi-tech characteristics. Silver ions act against bacteria in two main ways:

• Interaction with the cell membrane: silver ions, which are positively charged, link to bacterial cell membranes, which are negatively charged. This link causes the cell membranes to rupture, leading to the death of the bacteria.
• Reaction with proteins and enzymes: silver ions react with various chemical groups in bacterial proteins and enzymes. This interferes with the vital functions of bacteria, such as energy production (ATP) and DNA replication, causing bacterial death.

In addition, silver ions can form free radicals that further damage the bacteria’s cell membranes, enhancing the antimicrobial effect. It has been verified that the microbial load is NOT present on Eco Silver Paper® treated paper compared to untreated paper.

Articles treated with our active ingredient are therefore defended and our products remain 100% hygienic. In addition, the products treated with Eco Silver Paper® are tested and verified for antibacterial activity on the paper. The test is performed on gram positives and gram negatives such as Escherichia coli, which causes urinary tract infections, meningitis, peritonitis, septicaemia and pneumonia, and the highly pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus typically causes skin infections and sometimes pneumonia, endocarditis and osteomyelitis.

 

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR TO GET A HIGHER LEVEL OF HYGIENE?
Contact us at info@esprosrl.com for more informations!