Silver plaster technology, coloured electron micrograph (SEM). Nano-crystalline technology has enabled silver to be incorporated into many different types of dressing formulations. On coming into contact with moisture (such as wound exudate and blood), silver ions are slowly but continuously released from the wound pad, and migrate into the wound. Silver ions are highly active and rapidly penetrate bacterial membranes. They interact with enzymes and other protein in bacteria, destroying the cell structure and preventing reproduction across a broad spectrum of bacteria. Magnification: x20 when printed at 10 centimetres wide.