Widespread and Indiscriminate Nanosilver Use: Genuine Potential for Microbial Resistance.
In this era of increasing antibiotic resistance, the use of alternative antimicrobials such as silver has become more widespread. Superior antimicrobial activity has been provided through fabrication of silver nanoparticles or nanosilver (NAg), which imparts cytotoxic actions distinct from those of bulk silver. In the wake of the recent discoveries of bacterial resistance to NAg and its rising incorporation in medical and consumer goods such as wound dressings and dietary supplements, we argue that there is an urgent need to monitor the prevalence and spread of NAg microbial resistance. In this Perspective, we describe how the use of NAg in commercially available products facilitates prolonged microorganism exposure to bioavailable silver, which underpins the development of resistance. Furthermore, we advocate for a judicial approach toward NAg use in order to preserve its efficacy and to avoid environmental disruption.
The iThree Institute, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
Cindy
C
Gunawan
Christopher P
CP
Marquis
Rose
0000-0001-9561-4918
R
Amal
Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet , 17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
Georgios A
0000-0001-5040-620X
GA
Sotiriou
Scott A
0000-0002-9486-2343
SA
Rice
The iThree Institute, University of Technology Sydney , Sydney, NSW 2007, Australia.
Elizabeth J
EJ
Harry
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects*; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008826:Microbial Sensitivity Tests; D012834:Silver / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012834:Silver