Untitled Document
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.
