IN VITRO ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF COPPER

Considerable research has been conducted globally to establish the antimicrobial spectrum of copper. Copper been demonstrated not only to inhibit growth but also to effectively eradicate microorganisms, including those causing HAIs.

BacteriaIn 1975, Majno was the first to reproduce and experimentally demonstrate the antibacterial abilities of ancient copper compounds. Recreating the copper compounds mentioned in the Smith Papyrus, he ground malachite and chrysocolla to a fine powder and made verdigris, using the oldest method known, by converting copper to vapor from vinegar. He then inoculated the three different compounds with three bacteria isolated from a wound and discovered that no bacteria grew in the proximity of the three compounds, thereby providing evidence of their antiseptic abilities. In the 1990s, Bill Keevil and his team conducted considerable research at the University of Southampton, United Kingdom. His interest was piqued when he observed lower levels of contamination with Legionella on plumbing systems made with copper than on those made with stainless steel or plastic. Through a series of laboratory tests, including a broad spectrum of microbes and testing under different conditions (temperature and humidity), he confirmed the antimicrobial ability of copper and copper alloys. His team tested the survival of high concentrations of Escherichia coli O157 bacteria on different metal surfaces such as stainless steel, copper, and copper alloys and showed survival for more than 28 days on stainless steel. In contrast, no bacteria were found after 90 to 270 min at 20°C and 4°C, respectively, on a copper surface. Copper alloys also demonstrated the antibacterial ability, whereby the effect increased with increasing copper concentrations. They continued their research by looking at the survival time of Listeria monocytogenes on 25 different metal alloys and found a great reduction of survival times on copper-based alloys compared to stainless steel. On stainless steel, viable bacteria could still be retrieved after 24 h, whereas on copper alloys, no viable bacteria could be retrieved after 60 min.

（To be continued）

Copy from cmr.asm.org

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