8527. Silver Protein

Nomenclature

CAS number: 9015-51-4
Argentoproteinum; protargin; silver proteinate; silver nucleate; silver nucleinate.

Description and references

Group of compounds characterized as colloidal combinations of silver and protein. Variably prepd from silver oxide, silver nitrate or other silver salts with gelatin, serum albumin, casein or peptone. Examples of prepns: DE 105866 (1897 to Bayer); GB 18478 (1897); H. P. Kaufmann, Arzneimittel-Synthese (Springer, 1953) p 588. Generally classified as mild or strong based on their germicidal and irritant properties. Differentiated by the amount of ionizable silver present: Van Deripe, Konnerth, Am. J. Pharm. 111, 65 (1939). Use to stain nerve fibers: D. Bodian, Anat. Rec. 65, 89 (1936). Neuronal selectivity and use in light and electron microscopy: I. S. Zagon, J. H. Haring, Acta Anat. 114, 193 (1982); in Alzheimer's disease: C. Duyckaerts et al., Acta Neuropathol. 73, 167 (1987).

Derivative

Mild silver protein.

Nomenclature

Argentum vitellinum; Argyrol (J & J); Silvol (Parke-Davis).

Properties

Brown, dark-brown, or almost black, odorless, lustrous scales or granules. Contains ≈20% silver. Somewhat hygroscopic. Freely sol in water. Almost insol in alcohol, chloroform, ether. Keep well closed and protected from light.

Derivative

Strong silver protein.

Nomenclature

Albumose silver; Protargol (Winthrop).

Properties

Pale yellowish-orange to brownish-black, odorless powder. Contains ≈8% silver, most of which is present in ionic form. Somewhat hygroscopic. Freely sol in water. Almost insol in alcohol, ether, chloroform. Keep well closed and protected from light.

Use

Neuronal-selective histological stain; general contrast medium for electron microscopy.

Therapeutic Category

Antiseptic.

Therapeutic Category (Veterinary)

Antiseptic.

Keywords

Antiseptic/Disinfectant; Silver compounds