silver proteinate

Silver proteinate is an organic complex of silver and protein (typically albumin) that acts as a topical antiseptic and nasal decongestant. It has broad antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity and was historically used to treat infections such as gonorrhea before the advent of antibiotics[1][2][5]. Silver proteinate is also widely used in histology and electron microscopy for staining carbohydrates (e.g., glycogen) and nerve tissue due to its ability to gradually release silver ions[2][8]. Its mechanism of action involves the slow release of bactericidal silver ions that disrupt microbial cell membranes by binding to membrane proteins and peptidoglycans, leading to loss of structural integrity[6]. The drug was first introduced for therapeutic use in 1897 by Arthur Eichengrün at Bayer[2].

Brand names

Protargol

Other names

Argyrolproteinated silversilver proteinArgentum proteinicumProtargolumProrgolum