Risotto with Fungi? Consider the Wider Meaning of Fungi
Fungi are more than just the delicious edible mushrooms used in dishes like risotto and creamy mushroom sauces for pasta. The fungi kingdom also encompasses mould, the unwanted growth that spoils bread and covers walls.
The Antimicrobial Power of Silver: Effective Against Moulds
In our previous blog post, we briefly touched on the antimicrobial properties of silver. Now, we delve deeper into its effectiveness against mould. The activity mechanisms of silver make it highly successful in combating mould growth.
Three Pieces of Evidence
1) Extensive literature exists on the use of silver nanotechnology against mould. We've included a reference to a paper discussing different types of fungi at the end of the post. [i]
2) An international standard ASTM D-3273 test was conducted to evaluate the resistance to mould and fungi growth in paints in a tropical chamber. The results, shown in the picture below demonstrate the effectiveness of silver nanotechnology.
From left to right: (1) uncoated trial wood; (2) national brand with 2 years certified anti-fungal protection; (3) US brand with guaranteed 5 years anti-fungal protection; (4) water based latex paint with technology Nanotek.
3) The most impressive application of silver nanotechnology was seen in the preservation of fresh produce in packaging material. The World Food Programme estimates that one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, amounting to 1.3 billion tons per year worth US$1 trillion.[ii] Our Nanotechnology solution is part of the solution to this problem. The 48-day field application test on oranges showed the effectiveness of different concentrations of silver nanotechnology, as applied to the boxes, compared to the untreated box.
Or we also have other packaging materials treated with nanotechnology for the more gourmet variations of fresh produce, like passion fruit, or in the case of the test below, mangoes.
Conclusion: Silver Nanotechnology is Extremely Effective Against Mould
Traditional mould control methods, such as chemical sprays and bleach, often have limitations and drawbacks. These methods can be harmful to human health and the environment, and they may not be effective in the long term. Silver nanotechnology, on the other hand, is non-toxic, eco-friendly, and has a long-lasting effect. It is also more effective at preventing mould growth, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
We hope this post has convinced you of the effectiveness of silver nanotechnology against mould. If you're still sceptical, stay tuned for future blog posts and become a logical believer in no time.
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[i] Comparison Between Silver nanoparticles and Silver Nitrate as Antifungal Agent, published in International Journal of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, 2018; 4(1), pag. 5-11[ii] https://www.wfp.org/stories/5-facts-about-food-waste-and-hunger#:~:text=One%2Dthird%20of%20food%20produced,2.