Tuesday, October 18, 2005 - FreeMarketNews.com
In a groundbreaking study, the Journal of
Nanotechnology has published a study that found silver nanoparticles
kills HIV-1 and is likely to kill virtually any other virus. The study,
which was conducted by the University of Texas and Mexico University,
is the first medical study to ever explore the benefits of silver
nanoparticles, according to Physorg.
During the study, researchers used three different
methods of limiting the size of the silver nanoparticles by using
capping agents. The capping agents were foamy carbon, poly (PVP), and
bovine serum albumin (BSA). The particles ranged in size from 1 to 10
nanometers depending on the method of capping. After incubating the
HIV-1 virus at 37 C, the silver particles killed 100% of the virus
within 3 hours for all three methods. The scientists believe that the
silver particles bonded through glycoprotein knobs on the virus with
spacing of about 22 nanometers in length.
While further research is needed, researchers are
optimistic that nanological silver may be the silver bullet to kill
viruses. The researchers in the study said that they had already begin
experiments using silver nanoparticles to kill what is known as the
super bug (Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus). Already used
as a topical antibiotic in the medical industry, silver may now come
under consideration as an alternative to drugs when it comes to
fighting previously untreatable viruses such as the Tamiflu resistant
avian flu.
staff reports - Free-Market News Network
