Katadyn EK-24, Instruction Manual

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Page 4 Katadyn
3 Effect of Silver Ions on Bacteria Cells
The bactericidal action of silver (Ag+) is known as the “Katadyn” effect, a fusion of “catalytic” (: and
“oligodynamic.” It means the destruction of micro-organisms by catalysis, using very small amounts of
dissolved silver (oligos = small; dynamis = force).
A typical bacteria cell has the following key components:
•
Cell wall & membrane:
Provides protection and controls the
movement of substances into
and out
of the cell
•
Chromosomes:
Contain DNA used in reproduction
• Cytoplasm:
Contains water, proteins and
enzymes
that help in cellular growth metabolism
Silver ions (Ag
+ ) have a high affinity towards sulphur as well as phosphorous and easily get attached to thiol
(-SH) groups, which are sulphur containing organic compounds found in proteins and enzymes.
The positively charged silver ions (AG
+
) affect the bacteria cells in the following ways:
a. Bonding to thiol groups in the protein of the membrane wall, causing pores in the membrane
walls that allow more silver ions in
b. Bonding to thiol groups in the cytoplasm proteins and enzymes, thus inhibiting them from
supporting the cells basic support and growth functions
c. Disrupting the hydrogen bonding within DNA strands and denaturing the DNA
A description of influences of silver in drinking water can be found in the following publications “Guidelines
for drinking-water quality, 2nd. Ed. Vol. 2
Health criteria and other supporting information ” published by
WHO (Geneva, 1996).
Disruption of
DNA reproduction
Silver ions (Ag + )
Destruction of cell membrane
Inhibition of enzymes