Copper As an Antimicrobial Agent: Recent Advances

Overview

Journal RSC Adv

Publisher Royal Society of Chemistry

Specialty Chemistry

Date 2022 Apr 28

PMID 35480904

Authors

Intisar Salah

Ivan P Parkin

Elaine Allan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

From its uses in ancient civilisations, copper has an established history as an antimicrobial agent. Extensive research has determined the efficacy and mechanism of copper's antimicrobial activity against microorganisms. The process is multifaceted with the main mechanism of bactericidal activity being the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which irreversibly damages membranes. Copper ions released from surfaces lead to RNA degradation and membrane disruption of enveloped viruses. For fungi, the mechanism involves the physical deterioration of the membrane and copper ion influx. Due to variations in the experimental parameters, it is difficult to compare studies directly. In this review article, we outline the importance of the experimental conditions currently employed and how they bear little resemblance to real-world conditions. We endorse previous recommendations calling for an update to industrial standard tests.

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