- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- Free-Market News Network
- http://www.freemarketnews.com/WorldNews.asp?nid=1401
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