Silver nanoparticle coating helps 'raincoat' reduce HIV

Canadian researchers claim they have built a new silver nanoparticle coating for condoms, which can help inactivate HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, according to the National Post.

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According to researchers, condoms have a failure rate of 15% and to help improve its effectiveness, a team of experts from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg dipped a condom into a solution containing nanoparticles. extremely small silver.

The researchers noted that the treated condoms could disable all HIV and herpes in lab experiments. Dr Xiaojian Yao, who led the study, said when their silver nanoparticles ' rain coats were exposed to HIV, the virus's infection was completely inactivated.

Silver has been used as a disinfectant for many years. Humans have also seen silver nanoparticles in the technology world, such as those with antibacterial properties.

Nano silver coating condom

Silver has been used as a disinfectant for many years. Humans have also seen silver nanoparticles in the technology world, such as those with antibacterial properties.

Scientists say that when silver is turned into nanoparticles, it becomes more effective at fighting bacteria and viruses. The extremely small size of silver nanoparticles allows them to be "attached" to a polyurethane condom without changing its size or shape.

The team confessed that they have not yet fully understood why silver nanoparticles can neutralize HIV and other viruses.

Mr. Yao and his colleagues believe that silver ions can be released that bind to the virus and prevent it from attaching to cell receptors in the host. They also believe that another way of working might be silver nanoparticles that alter an important protein on the virus surface to prevent it from attacking host cells.

Experts also noted that silver nanoparticles do not cause inflammation associated with antimicrobial or viral agents coated with previous 'rain coats', such as nonoxynol-9.

The next phase of the study is to conduct tests on animals, so there will be a long time before condoms with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases are produced. series.