Copper as a Biocidal Tool

Authors: Borkow, Gadi¹; Gabbay, Jeffrey¹

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 12, Number 18, August 2005 , pp. 2163-2175(13)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Copper ions, either alone or in copper complexes, have been used to disinfect liquids, solids and human tissue for centuries. Today copper is used as a water purifier, algaecide, fungicide, nematocide, molluscicide as well as an antibacterial and anti-fouling agent. Copper also displays potent anti-viral activity. This article reviews (i) the biocidal properties of copper; (ii) the possible mechanisms by which copper is toxic to microorganisms; and (iii) the systems by which many microorganisms resist high concentrations of heavy metals, with an emphasis on copper.

Keywords: bacteriostatic; gram-negative organisms; electroplated coatings; copper-impregnated fabrics; water purifier; antiviral; oxidizing agents; cell membrane; cell viability

Document Type: Review article

DOI: 10.2174/0929867054637617

Affiliations: 1: Hameyasdim 44, Kfar Gibton 76910, Israel.

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$55.10 plus tax Refund Policy