THE COMPETITION

First, lets look at other germ-killing microbicides and antibacterial compounds

Alcohol: aka ethanol; aka ethyl alcohol; aka; cetyl alcohol : At the concentrations used in most antibacterial preparations [60-65%], alcohol kills bacteria by disrupting membranes and by denaturing proteins. Alcohol is miscible in water (that is, completely soluble). But ethyl alcohol can also dissolve in the membranes of cells. These membranes are composed of lipids, compounds that do not dissolve readily in water. As the alcohol works its way into the membranes, it disrupts their structure and function. Membranes delineate the inside from the outside of the bacterial cell. When the membranes get disrupted, the insides of the bacteria can be lost. Ethyl alcohol can readily get into the bacterial cell because it can pass through the membrane. Once inside the cell in high concentration, it changes the normal solvent of the cell (which is primarily water). In this new solvent, composed of water and ethyl alcohol, proteins no longer fold properly and can be "denatured" (that is, they lose the structure that is necessary for their natural function). Without proper proteins, cells cannot survive. At elevated concentrations ethyl alcohol is toxic to humans (this level differs depending on individual body chemistry). Alcoholic beverages are comprised of ethyl alcohol. Alcohol evaporates within a few seconds. It typically dries the skin, damages skin cells, and leaves skin surfaces cracked, red and rough. Emollients (oils, lotions, and surfactants) are often added to mitigate the harmful effects of ethyl alcohol on skin.

Chlorine (aka Benzethonium chloride): Chlorine is a chemical (halogen) element isolated as heavy greenish-yellow gas of pungent odor. It is used commonly used as bleach, oxidizing agent, and disinfectant in water purification. Chloride is a compound of chlorine with another element or group, especially a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid. Chlorine kills bacteria though a fairly simple chemical reaction. Chlorine solutions applied to surfaces break down into many different chemicals, including hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and hypochlorite ion (OCl^-). Both kill microorganisms and bacteria by attacking the lipids in the cell walls and destroying the enzymes and structures inside the cell, rendering them oxidized and harmless. The difference between HOCl and OCl^- is the speed at which they oxidize. Hypochlorous acid is able to oxidize organisms in several seconds, while hypochlorite ions may take up to 30 minutes to oxidize micro organisms. At elevated levels and high concentrations, chlorine is toxic to human and animal cells.

Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable compound (H202) used extensively as an oxidizing and bleaching agent, an antiseptic, and a propellant. While H202 kills germs it is also inimical in the regeneration of damaged dermatological cells. Because oxygen molecules are highly reactive they tend to suck electrons away from other molecules, a process called "oxidation". When life scientists speak about "oxidative damage", they are generally referring to oxygen atoms pulling electrons away from and destabilize molecules sufficiently to change their shape (and function) or even break apart.. This chain reaction of "electron-stealing" destabilizes regenerative cellular functions. DNA is also highly susceptible to oxidation damage. Prokaryotic bacteria (common bacterial cells) also die in this process because they typically lack repair mechanisms which limit oxidative damage. As is commonly understood, any kind of cell can and will suffer damage (oxidation or compromise) in the presence of free radicals.

Iodine: The microbiocidal action of Iodine is due to the active form, I-2, which is polarized by water and like all halogens (chlorine, fluorine, bromine, etc.), acts as an extremely potent oxidizer. Activated iodine (I-2) causes electrophilic reactions with enzymes of the respiratory chain as well as with amino acids located in cell membrane and cell wall proteins, principallly on the skin. The well-balanced tertiary structure necessary for maintaining the respiratory chain (as well as cell integrity) is destroyed and the microorganism is irreversibly damaged. Iodine is typically less damaging [to skin cells] than other common disinfectants, but it has a pungent order and its bright orange color stains skin, clothing, and other surfaces.

Triclosan: Almost all Antibacterial Soaps contain Triclosan, a tripartite chlorine chemical that is very harsh on the skin. Antibacterial soaps are drying, irritating, and can actually damage skin with repeated use. Dermatologists rank antibacertial products among the leading causes of dermatological problems. Many physicians and scientists fear antimicrobial drug resistance is emerging and there is rising concern that current levels of usage in personal and household products may be producing negative secondary medical effects. Triclosan is known to penetrate some internal organs of animals and has been detected in aquatic life, in human blood, urine, and breast milk. Anatomical studies are ongoing and findings confirm the importance of additional research to determine long-term ramifications.

Colloidal Silver: Colloidal Silver is commonly marketed in many health food and internet shopping stores.  It is recommended to be ingested orally. In colloidal silver, finely divided particles of silver are suspened (or floating randomly) in water and are not optimally dispersed. Elemental silver particles are suspended in water by a positive electric charge on each particle. Postive-charged particles are thought to disable enzymes responsible for the oxygen metabolism of pathogenic cells, such as viruses, fungi and bacteria. As a result of the lack of oxygen, the virus or bacteria cells die. In September 1999 and again in 2005, USFDA issued Monographs (final rule) related to OTC drugs containing 'colloidal silver.' Chelated Silver products were not included in the proposed rule.

CHELATED SILVER IN SILVERSOFT

Chelated Silver™ is silver atoms in solution. Anatomic particles in Chelated Silver™ block the respiration of microorganisms.  Colloidal silver, which is silver in suspension, is vastly different. In colloidal silver, finely divided particles of elemental silver are randomly floating in water (typically at levels of 10-50 parts per million (ppm). and are not evenly dispersed. In CHELATED SILVER™, pure, crystallized silver nitrate is chemically bonded to nonmetallic atoms evenly dispersed throughout the solution. This bonding in solution considerably enhances Chelated Silver™'s antimicrobal action and persistance (killing power over time).

Chelation "occurs when a metal ion forms a heterocyclic bond with a bidentate ligand." Examples of bidentate ligands are carbonate and oxalate ions and ethylenediamine. As a general rule, five- or six-member lingands are favored. Chelated Silverâ„¢ molecules are chemically bonded to nonmetallic molecules evenly dispersed throughout the solution. This concentrated and uniform dispersal of Chelated Silverâ„¢ molecules throughout the solution (typically at levels of 300 to 400 parts per million) considerably enhances their antimicrobial action, persistence and effectiveness. Chelated Silverâ„¢ is up to 10 times more powerful as a microbicide than is colloidal silver.