Editorial Commentary: Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining…but Silver May Not Be the Currency of Choice: The Bioelectric Silver-Zinc Dressing Requires Additional Investigation.

The use of silver in various forms has been advocated for its antibacterial properties for centuries, because its toxicity to human cells is considerably lower than its toxicity to bacteria. The Greek historian Herodotus recounted how the king of Persia, before going to war, among his provisions included boiled water stored in flagons of silver, ostensibly to mitigate the risk of foodborne infections in his troops. Additionally, recent studies support the use of silver to generate an electrical stimulation for promotion of wound healing. These concepts have been combined in a proprietary postoperative dressing that is promoted to mitigate the risk of postoperative infections.