Bactericidal properties of different copper alloys

Abstract:

[Objective] Contamination of micro-organisms attached on surface materials is one of the greatest threats for public health. Using copper alloys to replace stainless steel can reduce the use of disinfectants and the spread of bacteria. [Methods] In this study, the bactericidal abilities of different copper alloys through the survival of 3 Staphylococcus aureus and two Escherichia coli strains five different bacterial strains were investigated. [Results] The results revealed that the bactericidal abilities of the copper alloys are positively related to the copper content; the survival of the bacteria belonging to the same genus are similar; there was not direct relation between the bactericidal efficiency of the copper alloys and copper-resistances; the bactericidal efficiency of the copper alloys appeared to correlate with the bacterial cell wall structures. [Conclusion] The copper alloys are good materials with bactericidal abilities.