Antimicrobial Mechanisms of Anions

Antimicrobial technologies are becoming increasingly important in a world where bacterial threats persist.
It is important to note that antimicrobial technologies do not just target bacteria; they disrupt the reproduction of all microorganisms.

These technologies include silver ions, which are known for their superior antimicrobial efficacy even at the lowest concentrations.

This phenomenon is known as the microdynamic effect.

The complex world of silver ions and the way they act on a wide range of bacteria is unknown, and we have in-house experts who understand and consider the mechanisms of silver ion toxicity, which we aim to elucidate. how effectively they inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Microdynamic effect

The microdynamic effect is proof of the extraordinary antibacterial effect of silver ions.

Even at low concentrations, silver ions effectively reduce bacteria in as little as 30 minutes after contact.

Silver ions penetrate the bacterial cell membrane and interact with cytoplasmic components, proteins and nucleic acids. The oligodynamic effect unfolds in a series of steps leading to the destruction of the microorganisms.

Step 1: Interaction with the bacterial inner membrane

The silver ion technique is an interaction with the bacterial inner membrane, disrupting its cell membrane, causing it to lose potassium ions and reducing levels of ATP attached to phospholipids.

Studies have shown that this interaction results in the separation of the cytoplasmic membrane from the cell wall in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

This is important because this membrane is critical to the normal functioning of the cell as it is connected to important enzymes.

Step 2: Interaction with Nucleic Acids and Enzymes

Silver ions do not stay in the membrane, but rather disrupt further into the bacterial cell.

They naturally interact with the bases in DNA rather than with phosphate groups. In addition, silver ions have been shown to interact with nucleic acids, forming bonds with pyrimidine bases. As a result, the DNA is condensed and its replication is inhibited.

Step 3: Generation of reactive oxygen species

Silver ions trigger the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the bacterial cell.

A surge in intracellular ROS leads to oxidative stress, protein damage, and DNA strand breaks, resulting in cell death.

Silver ions have been shown to interfere with structural and functional proteins, especially those critical for respiration.

It was demonstrated that when silver ions attach to ribosomal proteins, they distort the natural structure of the ribosome. This process inhibits protein biosynthesis.

Step 4: Bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects

Studies have shown that silver ions have a powerful antibacterial effect that prevents the growth of bacteria and prevents them from replicating.

This is also known as bacteriostatic action.

In addition, silver ions increase intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, leading to various destructive mechanisms within the cell that damage essential cellular proteins, inhibit their function and lead to eventual cell death.

In addition, silver ions cause damage to cell membranes, impairing their function and regulating substances entering and exiting.

When silver ions succeed in destroying bacteria, it is called bactericidal action.

Mode of action of silver ions

We have observed the combined mode of action of silver ions on Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, highlighting the differences in the method of silver ion uptake.

Silver ions enter Gram-negative cells through major outer membrane proteins, demonstrating the diversity of their antimicrobial strategies.

1. Pore formation, metabolites and ion leakage

2. Denaturation of structural and cytoplasmic proteins; enzyme inactivation

3, Inactivation of respiratory chain enzymes

4. Increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species

5. Interaction with ribosomes

6. Interaction with nucleic acids

7. Inhibition of signal transduction

Antimicrobial technologies are increasingly being used as weapons against a wide range of harmful bacteria and their destructive effects.

Their multifaceted modes of action, ranging from membrane disruption to DNA damage and ROS propagation, make them indispensable in the reduction of bacteria.

As research continues, the complex mechanisms by which silver ions combat bacteria hold promise for more effective antibacterial strategies.