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M I C R O S I L V E R B G ™ Silver microparticles

Purifying dermo-cosmetic care

Innovative and natural form of silver

Pure metallic active substance

Supports treatment and regeneration of problem skin thanks to its anti-

mirobial and anti-inflammatory effect

Complies with the ECOCERT Natural and Organic Cosmetics standards

M I C R O S I L V E R B G ™Silver microparticles – Purifying dermo-cosmetic care

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INDEX Page

WHAT IS MICROSILVER BG™ ? 1

HOW MICROSILVER BG™ ACTS ON THE SURFACE OF THE SKIN 2

DERMO-COSMETIC PROPERTIES 3

WHY CHOOSE MICROSILVER BG™ OVER OTHER FORMS OF SILVER? 4

TECHNICAL INFORMATION 5

EFFICACY TESTS

DRY SKIN WITH AN ATOPIC TENDENCY 6

ATOPIC SKIN 7

ACNE 8

ORAL HYGIENE, PERIODONTITIS 9

EFFECTIVNESS OF DEODORANTS 10

MICROBIOLOGICAL PROTECTION OF AN EMULSION 11

SAFETY: TOXICOLOGY STUDIES

IN VITRO TEST: SKIN PENETRATION USING THE FRANZ DIFFUSION CELL 12

CLINICAL TEST: TAPE STRIPPING 12

IN VITRO TEST: PENETRATION ON THE ORAL MUCOSA – TOOTHPASTE 12

CONTACT ALLERGY 12

FORMULATION AID 13

BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES 13

HISTORY OF SILVER 14

Table of Contents

W H A T I S M I C R O S I L V E R B G ™ ?

1

MicroSilver BG™ is an innovative form of pure metallic silver, the product of more than 15 years of research at the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany.

• Bio-Gate uses exclusively pure metallic silver for the production of MicroSilver BG™

• Only this unique and complex production process produces the special surface structure of MicroSilver BG™. It guarantees the release of silver ions over a longer time span (depot and time-release effect)

MicroSilver BG™ is manufactured in production facilities specially developed by Bio-Gate for this purpose. A purely physical gas phase process allows, thanks to the use of elemental silver of a high level of purity, production without any ionic form containing silver. This manufacturing technology is unique and is made available exclusively to BioEpiderm for cosmetic applications.

MicroSilver BG™ – How it acts on the skinThe germicidal action of silver comes from the formation of soluble silver ions. It is the effect of the inactivation of certain enzymes and the lesion of bacterial membranes through the silver ions that are released.

Confocal laser microscope: absorption of Ag at the surface of the keratinocytes. Accumulation of MicroSilver BG™ (white arrows) in the skin folds of the epidermis surface.

Structure of MicroSilver BGTM: mean diameter of the particles: 10 μm

Epidermis

Bacteria

Ag+ ions

The bacteria are destroyed by the Ag+ silver ions

that are released

Pure silver Ag0 from MicroSilver BGTM

Dermis

+ ++++

+++ ++++

+++ +++++

++

+ +

++ ++

2

H O W M I C R O S I L V E R B G ™ A C T S O N T H E S U R F A C E O F T H E S K I N

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Two hours following application of a body milk containing 0.5 % MicroSilver BGTM, the silver particles (see white arrows) are pri-marily observed in the skin folds. Identical results were obtained

through a horizontal and vertical cartography. No particles of sil-ver were identified in the epidermis and the upper layers of the dermis (a to d). (Photo: Ulrich)

A study of the surface of the skin using confocal laser micros-copy allowed a highlighting of the exclusively surface action of MicroSilver BGTM :

Conclusion Î MicroSilver BG™ collects mainly at the pore level and in

the skin folds Î MicroSilver BG™ acts on the surface. The silver ions are

released to the surface of the skin and may thus react with the surrounding bacteria and yeast/fungi (e.g. golden staphylococcus).

Two hours after the application: the silver particles are found in the skin folds (d) and in the follicular openings (e). More detailed explanations in the text below.

Same area immediately following application of a cream containing 0.5 % MicroSilver BGTM:the highly refractile silver particles are found both on the surface of the skin (b, arrow) and in the skin folds (c, arrow).

Healthy skin: keratinocytes and skin folds (*) in a nor-mally aged skin.

MicroSilver BG™• Is active against a broad spectrum of bacteria• Supports treatment of irritated and inflamed skin• Is extremely effective, even at a low dosage• Has a long-lasting effect (depot and time-release effect)

Antimicrobial effectMicroSilver BG™ forms an invisible protection at the surface of the skin, which quickly eliminates unwanted micro-organisms.

Regularizing and stabilizing effect on the skin microfloraIn an optimal concentration, MicroSilver BG™ does not destroy the skin flora, but prevents the development of unwanted mi-croorganisms and, thanks to its anti-inflammatory effect (bibli-ographic information – scientific publications), it helps to rees-tablish the optimal physiological balance of the skin microflora.

Strengthening effect on the skin microfloraWhen used regularly, MicroSilver BG™ strengthens the resistance of the skin to any colonization of potentially disease-causing substances. Incidents of inflammation are lowered and con-trolled.

Areas of applicationMicroSilver BG™ may be used any time purifying action is de-sired.

To prevent secondary infections• Supports treatment of atopic skin• Supports treatment of dry skin and damaged lips• Post depilation and aftershave products

To prevent the formation of odours• Deodorants• Foot care

To fight against the responsible agent• Supports treatment of skin with a tendency to form acne• Supports treatment of imperfections: mature problem skin• Anti-dandruff shampoos• Toothpastes, mouthwashes

Products with a high concentration of MicroSilver BG™ are intended for• Use in the case of skin irritations such as redness,

zones of the skin with a high formation of sebum • Support specific treatments (neurodermatitis, atopic derma-

titis). Here, the silver ions act against Staphylococcus aureus

Finally, MicroSilver BG™ may allow the concentration to be de-creased or even, in certain cases, the preservative agent in your cosmetic formulation to be eliminated (see page 10).

ConclusionMicroSilver BG™ allows for an innovative approach and an advanced formulation for your new ranges of body care pro-ducts.

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D E R M O - C O S M E T I C P R O P E R T I E S

Silver saltsAs pure metallic elemental silver, MicroSilver BG™ must be dis-tinguished from silver salts (citrate, for example).

• Due to the fact that MicroSilver BG™ is elemental silver and does not contain silver salts, the influence on the colour of the finish product is less compared to other silver actives.

• The preservative content may be reduced thanks to the use of MicroSilver BG™.

• Long-lasting effect: in comparison with traditional silver powder, MicroSilver BG™ offers a far superior total free sur-face thanks to its sponge-like structure. MicroSilver BG™ is thus able to generate enough silver ions and over a long pe-riod of time (depot and time-release effect).

• A study has shown the superiority of MicroSilver BG™ in for-mulation (see below). Thanks to its composition and special structure, MicroSilver BG™ guarantees a level of silver ions in the finished product that is superior to that obtained with an identical concentration of silver in the form of salt. There is thus better antimicrobial efficacy over time.

• The mean size of MicroSilver BG™ particles is 10 μm. MicroSilver BG™ is therefore not concerned about any debate with respect to nanoparticles.

Colloidal silverThe mean size of MicroSilver BG™ particles is 10 μm. Micro- Silver BG™ is therefore not concerned about any debate with respect to nanoparticles.

Concentration of silver ions over time in a cream with 0.3 % silver citrate and 0.3 % MicroSilver BGTM

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W H Y C H O O S E M I C R O S I L V E R B G ™ O V E R O T H E R F O R M S O F S I L V E R ?

Silver ions (µg/g)

60

50

40

30

20

10

0Cream with 0.3 %

silver citrateCream with 0.3 %MicroSilver BGTM

Day 21 Day 31 Day 60

INCI Silver (CI 77820)

Appearance Homogenous powder that is silver-gray in colour

Odour Odourless

CAS Number 7440-22-4

REACH Pre-registered

ECOCERT Complies with the ECOCERT Natural and Organic Cosmetics standards

Preservative None

Adjuvant/Additive None

Nanoparticle None

Boiling point 2210° C

Melting point 960° C

Density Approx. 10.5 g/cm³ (20° C)

Solubility Indissoluble in water

Surface Up to 5 m²/gr

Average Ø of the particles 10 μm

Standard packaging 0.5 kg and 2 kg

Recommended dosages

Optimal dosage 0.1 %

Body/facial care 0.1 % - 0.3 %

Shampoo 0.1 % - 0.2 %

Foot care 0.2 % - 0.4 %

Hand care 0.2 %

Lip care 0.05 % - 0.1 %

Toothpaste 0.05 % - 0.1 %

T E C H N I C A L I N F O R M A T I O N

5

Î MicroSilver BG™ is composed of ultra-pure natural silver. It does not contain any additives or adjuvants, and has a long-lasting effect thanks to its sponge-like structure that provides it with a very sizeable total free surface (5 m2/gr).

• Study conducted by the Schrader Institute, Holzminden (Germany)

• 30 volunteers having dry skin with an atopic tendency (1/3 of the subjects)

• Age: 18-64 years old, average age: 45• 2 applications daily for 4 weeks• During the study, the atopic subjects did not

display any symptom (SCORAD under 15)• Product tested: body milk containing 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™

Results obtained after 4 weeks of use of the milk• Clear relief from itching• Decrease (from slight to distinct) of skin redness• Soothing of irritated skin• Improvement of dry skin

Evaluation of body milk containing 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™ • Mean values, n = 30 participants

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E F F I C A C Y T E S T : D R Y S K I N W I T H A N A T O P I C T E N D E N C Y

Consistency

Spreadability

Penetration

Odour immediately after application

Sensation of stickiness of the skin *

Pleasant colour

Refreshing effect on the skin

Hydrolipid film on the skin *

Overall cosmetic acceptance

Relief from itching **

Reduction of skin redness **

Relaxing effect on the skin

Hydration

Soothing of irritated skin **

Improvement of dry skin **

Suitable for daily use

Suitable for sensitive skin **

Softness of the skin

Feeling on the skin

Remedial effect

Overall assessment

5 34 2 1mediocresignificant

no***

satisfactoryslightslight

passabledistinctminimal

good minimal distinct

very goodno

significant

Improvement of the clinical picture on the right arm of patient 7 (Day 1, Day 14, Day 28)

Improvement of the clinical picture on the hollow of the knee of patient 16 (Day 1, Day 14, Day 28)

Evaluation of the intensity of the symptoms (score: 0 = not present, 1 = slightly, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) after 2 and 4 weeks of application with a cream containing 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™

Evaluation of the intensity of the symptoms (score: 0 = not present, 1 = slightly, 2 = moderate, 3 = severe) after 2 and 4 weeks of application of the sprayable emulsion containing MicroSilver BG™

1.71

1.25

0.630.75

1.381.4

0.8

0.35

0.5

0.85

0.65

0.35

0.240.29

0.53

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

Erythema Edema andPapules

Oozing andCrusting

Excoriation Lichenification

week 0 (n=24)

week 2 (n=20)

week 4 (n=17)

2.15

1.85

0.95

1.45

2.25

1.63

1.16

0.58

0.89

1.68

1.08

0.85

0.23

0.54

1.38

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

Erythema Edema andPapules

Oozing andCrusting

Excoriation Lichenification

week 0 (n=20)

week 2 (n=19)

week 4 (n=13)

• Clinical study conducted by Vitaklinik, Kiel (Germany)• 2 applications daily for 4 weeks of a cream containing

MicroSilver BG™• Study of the change of local SCORAD standard process

used in dermatology. Assesses the severity of the symp-toms of redness, oedema and formation of papules, ooz-ing and crust formation, excoriation and skin thickening (lichenification)

• Study of the change of general SCORAD assesses the prop-agation of the dermatosis and the degree of severity of the areas concerned as an objective parameter of the disease and the patient suffering as a subjective parameter of the disease

• No other systemic or topical treatment was applied during the test

Efficacy test 1• Efficacy test with a nurturing cream

with 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™ • 20 patients suffering from atopic eczema

Efficacy Test 2• Efficacy test with a hydrating spray emul-

sion with 0.2 % MicroSilver BG™• 24 patients suffering from atopic eczema

Results• MicroSilver BG™ reduces the local SCORAD index in a sta-

tistically significant manner from 8.7 to 4.1 (with 0.1% Mi-croSilver BG™) and from 4.7 to 2.0 (with 0.2 % MicroSilver BG™). This corresponds to a mean reduction of the local SCORAD index of 57.5 % (with 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™) and of 68.2 % (with 0.2 % MicroSilver BG™). This result shows that the visible symptoms of the disease, such as redness, oozing, crust formation are markedly less pro-nounced.

• MicroSilver BG™ reduces the general SCORAD index from 51 to 25 (with 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™) and from 31.9 to 15.3 (with 0.2 % MicroSilver BG™). This corre-sponds to a mean reduction of the general SCORAD index of 53.5 % (with 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™) and of 50 % (with 0.2 % MicroSilver BG™).

E F F I C A C Y T E S T : A T O P I C S K I N

7

Evaluation of 0.2 % MicroSilver BG™ acne cream• 12 week clinical Acne Study using 30 patients suffering

from acne papulopustulosa • out of the 30 patients 18 could attend the 5 given ward

rounds, the one remaining abandoned the study for dif-ferent reasons

Before treatment

12 weeks after treatment with 0.2 % MicroSilver BG™ acne cream

ResultsMicroSilver BG™ reduces in a statistically significant manner the appearence of: Papules: 61.3 % improvement Pustules: 43.3 % improvement

Patients evaluated the product as “very good” or “good”The results indicate that the product is very well suited for patients with mild to moderate acne

Develepment of the average number of the pustules (n=18)

Decrease of the average number of pustules in the process of the 12 week therapy

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E F F I C A C Y T E S T : A C N E

E F F I C A C Y T E S T : O R A L H Y G I E N E , P E R I O D O N T I T I S

Values after 6 weeksStart values

65.9557.92

Approximate plaque index (API) in %

45.6838.17

p < 0.05

Sulcus bleeding index (SBI)

1.61

Gingival index (GI)

1.41

82.76

Halimeter

63.29

Clinical study intended to evaluate a toothpaste containing 0.05 % of MicroSilver BG™ on patients showing obvious per-iodontitis.

Principles of the study: Open monocentric clinical studyObjective of the study: Monitoring of the antimicrobial effect of toothpasteStudy centre: Dental Clinic 1 – Preservative Treat- ments and Periodontology, Erlangen University Dental Clinic (Germany)

Product tested: Toothpaste containing 0.05 % of MicroSilver BG™, 1 % of zinc gluco- nate and 1 % of dexpanthenolSample group: 25 patients

Target criteriaThe purpose of the clinical study is to determine if, within the framework of dental oral hygiene at home, the toothpaste used with small interdental toothbrushes is able to reduce in any significant manner the germ markers of periodontitis and the signs of inflammation.

The following parameters are measured• Approximate plaque index (API)• Sulcus bleeding index (SBI)• Gingival index (GI)• Halimeter• Biological germ markers

Study process• Information and inclusion of the patients in the study• Instructions with respect to oral hygiene. Determination

of the start values• Handing out the medication that is the subject of the

study• After 6 weeks, new check and new determination of the

parameters

Outline of treatment• Daily brushing of teeth in accordance with instructions

given by the Clinic

Results• Significant improvement of inflammation parameters

(p<0.05)• Significant reduction (p<0.05) of the microbiological germ

markers (here, the germ responsible for the periodontitis is Aggregatibacter Actinomycetemcomitans)

• No secondary side effects were observed

MicroSilver BG™ reduces microbiological markers of peri-odontitis and the parameters of inflammation in a signifi-cant manner.

9

10

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E F F E C T I V E N E S S O F D E O D O R A N T S

MicroSilver BG™, with its antimicrobial properties and sustained release of silver ions, is an ideal active ingre-dient for deodorants!

The product is pulverized purely physically in a special pro-duction process (no nanoparticles) and possesses a spongy surface. This special structure guarantees a release of silver

ions over several hours. This achieves an especially long last-ing action. The “sustained release” of silver ions and the al-ready well-known antimicrobial properties make MicroSilver BG™ an optimum active ingredient for deodorant products.

The action of MicroSilver BG™ in a deodorant formulation was demonstrated in a new in-vivo study (sniff test).

Study objective: Verify the deodorizing action of the roll-on deodorant after 8 hours

Study centre: Derma Consult Concept GmbH

Study medication: Roll-on deodorant with 0.1% MicroSilver BG™

Study population: 10 volunteers

Test parameters: Underarm sniff test

Rating scale: 0–6: 0 = no unpleasant odour 6 = very strong unpleasant odour

Study period: March / April

Testers: 2 people each with twelve years’ experience, assessments made independently of each other

Fig 3: Average rating index before and 8 hours after treatment (Snifftest, Axilla, n = 10) (source: BioEpiderm)

The formulation containing MicroSilver BG™ exhibits a significant decrease in unpleasant odours after 8 hours.

Study results:

Germs tested 2 days 7 days 14 days 28 days

Staphylococcus aureus

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Candida albicans

Aspergillus niger

: higher than the recommended efficacy level

: corresponds to the recommended efficacy level

: lower than the recommended efficacy level but above the recommendations

E F F I C A C Y T E S T : M I C R O B I O L O G I C A L P R O -T E C T I O N O F A N E M U L S I O N

Sample: Absorbent cream containing 0.1 % MicroSilver BG™

INCI: AQUA, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, GLYCERIN, CETYL ALCOHOL, PANTHE- NOL, CETEARETH-30, TOCOPHEROL, CETEARETH-12, FRAGRANCE, SILVER, ZINC GLUCONATE

Testing method: In accordance with the European Pharmacopoeia 5.1.3, table 5.1 3-2 (topical preparations)

The sample is in compliance with the specifications of the European Pharmacopoeia 5.1.3, table 5.1.3-2, criteria A, rela-tive to the antimicrobial preservation of topical preparations. MicroSilver BGTM containing 0.1 % provides the product tested with satisfactory microbiological protection.

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In vitro test: Skin penetration using the Franz diffusion cellA: Absorbent cream DAB, 1.5 % of MicroSilver BG™B: Absorbent cream DAB, 0.5 % of MicroSilver BG™C: Absorbent cream DAB, 0.5 % of MicroSilver BG™ + 3 % of dexpanthenol

No diffusion of MicroSilver BG™ through the membra- ne and only minimal penetration of the silver ions.

Comparison of the data with the risk analysis based on the ref-erence scientific values for skin penetration: the application of 2 g of a cosmetic cream on a skin surface of 10 cm x 10 cm (equivalent to a large quantity applied), corresponds to:

• Surface concentration 20 mg/cm²• Evaluation of risk potential 0.2 – 10 ng* of silver• Value measured 1.5 – 4 ng** of silver

A good correlation between the risk analysis data and the test data was observed. As expected, the skin penetration may be considered as being insignificant.

Clinical test: Tape stripping test following application of an emulsionApplication of 2 mg/cm2 of a cream with 0.1 % and 0.5 % MicroSilver BG™ on the left or right forearm on 10 volunteer subjects for 28 days, with 2 applications daily (mornings and evenings).

Method: Before starting use (control) and after 28 days, 60 strippings (3M® adhesive tape) are carried out. This number corresponds to the elimination of all of the stratum corneum (SC).Results: Quantity in % of the dosage of silver applied found in the SC (60 adhesive tapes) after 28 days:• Cream MicroSilver BG™ 0.1 %: 0.064 % of silver• Cream MicroSilver BG™ 0.5 %: 0.049 % of silver

These results correspond perfectly with the results of test on the Franz diffusion cell and confirm the insigni- ficant penetration level of MicroSilver BG™.

In vitro testing: Penetration on the oral mucosa – Tooth-pasteProtocol: Application of 10 mg/cm2 of a toothpaste con- taining 0.05 % of MicroSilver BG™ on a biopsy of oral mucosa.Method: Franz diffusion cell. Analysis of the oral mucosa through cryosections and of the receptor liquid 4 hours following application.Results: Less than 1.3 % of silver is found in the mucuous membrane. No trace of silver was found in the receptor liquid.

On the whole, there was no significant absorption observed of MicroSilver BG™ or of silver by the oral mu-cosa after 4 hours.

Contact allergyThe silver salts may have an astringent (locally corrosive) effect on the skin, like for example, silver nitrate («pierre infernale» or lunar caustic). But it is highly improbable that MicroSilver BG™ releases such amounts of silver ions. No description of any allergy to silver, allergy of the contact type, with silver of a very high purity (such as MicroSilver BG™) was found in the reference literature. If, however, an allergic reaction fol-lowing application of a product containing MicroSilver BG™ were to occur, it would very probably be caused by other elements in the composition (for example, perfumes or pre-servatives) or by other impurities.

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S A F E T Y : T O X I C O L O G Y S T U D I E S

* Tested for a sample with 1 % of MicroSilver BG™

(or 10 times the recommended dosage)

** Measured on samples with 1.5 % and 0.5 % of MicroSilver BG™

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B I B L I O G R A P H I C A L R E F E R E N C E S

Ästhetische Dermatologie- 2/2010Prospektive Studie belegt Wirksamkeit und Akzeptanz. Mikro-Silber-Präparat unterstützt Aknetherapie effizient.Dr. Johannes Müller-Steinmann / Vitaklinik AG, KielBechert et al. (1999)The Erlanger silver catheter: in vitro results for antimicrobial activity. Infection. 27 Suppl 1:S24-9Bechert et al. (2000)A new method for screening anti-infective biomaterials. Nat Med. 6(9):1053-6Alt et al. (2004)In vitro testing of antimicrobial activity of bone cement. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 48 (11): 4084-8Alt et al. (2004)An in vitro assessment of the antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity of nanoparticulate silver bone cement. Biomaterials. 25 (18):4383-91Rademann Publishers (ISBN 3-9800113-9-9) – 6/2005MicroSilver – a revolutionary substance takes skincare by storm.Radhesh KumarCosmetic Medicine Application Study – 6/2007Use test to evaluate the efficacy, tolerability and cosmetic acceptance of a new topical silver containing skin care product (Multilind® MikroSil-ber Creme) in atopic dermatitis. Swarna Ekanayake-Mudiyanselage, Alexandra Balk, Volker Schoder, Peter Hansen, Walter Wigger-Alberti, Klaus-P.Wilhelm

Cosmetic Medicine Application Study – 4/2008Prospective dermatologically controlled study of the efficacy of a silver containing nurturing cream (MicroSilver BG™ 0.1 %) in atopic dermatitis. Johannes Müller-Steinmann, Ute Goldbach, Stephan Höhn, Alexandra Petukhova, Marcel LangenauerCosmetic Medicine Application Study – 3/2011Prospective dermatologically controlled efficacy study of a hydrating spay emulsion with 0,2 % demental silver in atopic dermatitis.Ute Goldbach, Johannes Müller-Steinmann, Stephan HöhnPharmaceutical Telegram; (Apotheken-Depesche) – 1-2/2008Dermo-cosmetic skincare with Microsilver for dry skin; Microsilver – smallest particles, highest effect. Application Study : Cream with Micros-ilver improves skin condition affected by Neurodermatitis.STADA GmbH/ Britta WollnweberCosmetic Medicine Application Study – 2/2009Adjuvant skin care with a Micro-Silver containing emollient with DMS-li-pid-structure. Efficacy and cosmetical acceptance in atopic eczema and psoriasis. Angela Neub, Ulrich AmonCOSSMA – 3/2009Antibacterial actives – natural silver for the skin. Barbara ReinhardtPharmaceutical Journal – 4/2009MicroSilver – An old active substance in new clothes. Rolf Daniels, Mar-tin Mempel, Martina Ulrich, Peter Steinrücke

As a general rule, MicroSilver BG™ should be added at the end of the manufacturing process, for example, with the O/W or W/O systems, following the emulsification phase. To do this, a suspension mere of MicroSilver BG™ in glycerine is prepared then inserted through shaking until there is a perfect homo-geneity. One should make sure that the suspension mere is sufficiently fluid before incorporation in order to prevent the formation of agglomerates. The glycerine concentration in the final product will be approx. 3 to 5 %.

• MicroSilver BG™ is UV resistant • No temperature limit• No pH limit

Interactions with other componentsMicroSilver BG™ is made of pure elemental silver. Therefore, any interactions with other components are excluded. Nev-ertheless, minimal quantities of silver ions form in the formu-lation through oxidation. Certain components may inhibit these silver ions and reduce the efficacy of MicroSilver BG™, in particular, its protective microbiological properties. In this case, the use of classic preservative agents is necessary. In ad-dition, the proteins potentially present in the formula may be modified and lose their functionality through chelation with the silver ions.

Microbiological protection of the cosmetic formulationMicroSilver BG™ exerts protective microbiological properties in the product insofar as silver ions may form at any moment in the product when there is the presence of water. This is a secondary positive effect, but not the principal activity of MicroSilver BG™.

We know from experience that:MicroSilver BG™ with 0.1 % has a good preservative effect for the formulas of the absorbent creams/milks, gels and lotions type. It is, however, possible that this concentration is not enough to prevent the growth of yeast/fungi. In this case, one should add 0.3 to 0.5 % of benzyl alcohol in order to strengthen the microbiological protection of the formula.

In principle, where there is a concentration of 0.2 % or higher of MicroSilver BG™, no other preservative agent is necessary. Nevertheless, the proper microbiological protection of each formula should be checked.

F O R M U L A T I O N A I D

To minimize such interactions to the extent possible, any substances likely to form a bond with the silver ions should be avoided: salts such as chlorides (e.g. sodium chloride), EDTA or proteins.

04 | 2

016

SwitzerlandIMPAG AGFeldeggstrasse 26 P.O. BoxCH-8034 Zurich Tel.: +41 43 499 25 00Fax: +41 43 499 25 01E-Mail: info@impag.ch Web: www.impag.ch

Germany IMPAG Import GmbHFritz-Remy-Straße 25D-63071 Offenbach am MainTel.: +49 69 850 008-0Fax: +49 69 850 008-90E-Mail: info@impag.deWeb: www.impag.de

PolandIMPAG Chemicals Poland Sp. z o.o.Grzybowska street 4 lok 80PL-00-131 WarszawaTel.: +48 22 542 40 72Fax: +48 22 542 40 73E-Mail: info@impag.plWeb: www.impag.pl

FranceIMPAG France Sarl34 rue StanislasF-54000 Nancy Tel.: + 33 3 83 48 98 05Fax: + 33 3 83 48 98 78E-Mail: info@impag.frWeb: www.impag.fr

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Silver, or Ag, is derived from the Latin word «argentum». Sil-ver has been worked since around the 5th Century B.C. It was used, for example, by the Assyrians, the Goths, the Greeks, the Romans, the Egyptians and the Germanic peoples. At times, it was considered to be more precious than gold. To the Egyp-tians in Antiquity, silver was known as «lunar metal».Cyrus, founder of the Persian Empire in the 5th Century B.C., al-ready drank boiled water from the Choapses River in silver jugs. The pioneers of the American Far West put pieces of silver in their bottles to preserve water or fresh milk.

Carl von Naegeli (1817-1891) was the first to describe, in a scien-tific manner, the broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect of silver. The stimulating and regenerative properties of lunar metal are used in anthroposophical treatments.

In medicine, silver is used as an antibacterial for dressings as well as for small surgical devices, and even to cover prosthesis. As well, positive silver ions are used as a disinfecting and rec-ommended product for the treatment of wounds.

History of silver

BioEpiderm is a German company, created in 2004 as a subsidiary of Bio-Gate AG. Bio-Gate AG is a leading provider of antimicrobial solutions and new products, and is the sole

worldwide provider for complete client solutions in the area of silver technologies. The knowledge and expertise developed by Bio-Gate in the production and use of microparticulate silver have been exclusively granted to BioEpiderm for dermatological application in cosmetic and body care products.