Final answer:
Oligodynamic action refers to the ability of a chemical, particularly heavy metals, to exhibit significant antimicrobial activity at very low concentrations. Heavy metals denature proteins by binding to sulfur-containing amino acids, thus killing microbes. Silver ions are commonly utilized for their oligodynamic action in wound dressings and on medical devices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oligodynamic action refers to the ability of a chemical, particularly heavy metals, to exhibit significant antimicrobial activity at very low concentrations. These heavy metals bind to sulfur-containing amino acids in proteins, causing them to denature and ultimately killing microbes. The high localized concentrations of heavy metal ions within cells allow for this action to occur. For example, silver ions are used in wound dressings and as a coating on medical devices due to their oligodynamic action against bacteria.