The antibacterial/antifungal effect of silver results from three reaction mechanisms:

-  Silver ions react with sulphurous and phosphatic enzymes in cell walls, thereby inhibiting mass
   transport across cell wall membranes.

-  Silver ions are preferentially absorbed by cells in place of essential calcium ions and undergo bonding
   with essential sulphurous and phosphatic macromolecules. As a result, they can bond to DNA chains
   and inhibit reproduction.

-  Silver ions inactivate enzymes which are essential to life processes.