Silver: Biomedical Applications and Adverse Effects

Silver metal has been used by humanity for about 7000 years. The use of this metal was observed in objects such as coins and cutlery that was used due to the corrosion resistance of this noble metal. Due to slow corrosion, the silver ions are continuously released from the materials. Silver is a metallic transition element, which has a shiny and white appearance. This metal can be found widely in the human environment . The use of silver in various branches of medicine has increased significantly as antibacterial , antiviral, antimycotic, and chemotherapeutic agents. In addition, this metal is very effective in medical devices , textile, cosmetic, and even household appliance. Silver can act as a drug in its most varied forms, whether in ionic , colloidal , combined, or nanoparticle form, this element has demonstrated potential in a series of treatments of diseases , including cancer, malaria, and inflammation, mainly in the uterine region. Silver can also be used in the treatment of wounds, burns, presenting high potential as human medication. The therapeutic potential of metal complexes in the treatment of cancer has attracted interest because the metals have peculiar characteristics (redox activity, modes of variable coordination, and reactivity in relation to the organic substrate). In addition, although silver may have an adverse effect on the body and the environment , if used in an excessive concentration. But, if used in an ideal concentration, it may be a good approach for current medicine.

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Authors and Affiliations

1. Center of Natural Sciences and Technology, State University of Pará—UEPA, Belém, Pará, Brazil Luiza Helena da Silva Martins
2. Nanobiotechnology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, SGB Amravati University, Amravati, 444602, Maharashtra, India Mahendra Rai
3. School of Chemical Engineering, University of Campinas—UNICAMP, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil João Moreira Neto
4. Center of Social Sciences and Education, State University of Pará—UEPA, Salvaterra, Pará, Brazil Paulo Weslem Portal Gomes
5. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Pará—UFPA, Belém, Pará, Brazil Júlia Helena da Silva Martins

1. Luiza Helena da Silva Martins