Oligodynamic effect

The oligodynamic effect (from Greek oligos "few", and dynamis "force") is a biocidal effect of metals, especially heavy metals, even in low concentrations. The effect was discovered in 1893 by Karl Wilhelm von Nägeli, although he did not identify the cause.Brass doorknobs and silverware both exhibit this effect.

The metals react with thiol (SH) or amine (NH) groups of enzymes or proteins, a mode of action to which microorganisms may develop resistance. Such resistance may be transmitted by plasmids.

Aluminium acetate (Burow's solution) is used as an astringent mild antiseptic. Aluminium-based antiperspirant ingredients ("aluminum salts") such as aluminum chlorohydrate, activated aluminum chlorohydrates, and aluminum-zirconium-glycine (AZG) complexes work by forming superficial plugs in the sweat ducts, reducing the flow of perspiration.

Orthoesters of diarylstibinic acids are fungicides and bactericides, used in paints, plastics, and fibers. Trivalent organic antimony was used in therapy for schistosomiasis.

For many decades, arsenic was used medicinally to treat syphilis. It is still used in sheep dips, rat poisons, wood preservatives, weed killers, and other pesticides. Arsenic is also still used for murder by poisoning, for which use it has a long and continuing history in both literature and fact.

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