A scientific approach:

For silver ions to be used in antimicrobial technology they are combined with a carrier substance. This substance is then incorporated into or onto a material, such as plastic or paint, at the time of product manufacture. The final product is then said to be antimicrobial protected.

 

On a protected surface, silver ions are continually released and are available to act against bacteria contaminating the product. They do this by passing through the bacterial cell wall and accumulating inside the cell where they damage it in a number of ways.

 

Mode of action 1: Silver ions combine with bacterial proteins.

Silver ions combine with bacterial proteins located in the cell wall and cytoplasm which interferes with their normal functioning. These proteins are vital for the healthy functioning of the cell so loss of their functioning results in the death of the bacteria.

 

Mode of action 2: Silver ions promote formation of reactive oxygen species.

Silver ions are known to promote the formation of harmful chemicals called reactive oxygen species (ROCs) inside bacterial cells. ROCs are harmful to living cells because they cause significant damage to cell structures. Damage caused by ROCs results in the cell's death.

 

Mode of action 3: Silver ions interfere with DNA replication.

Silver ions are also known to interfere with the way bacteria copy their genetic material or DNA. Bacteria, like most living cells, have to make copies of their DNA when they reproduce to make new cells. Silver ions stop the bacteria being able to replicate by blocking the copying of their genetic material. Importantly, a non-replicating population of bacteria won't increase in size because the cells that die are not replaced by new ones. Eventually the population of bacteria disappears.