Antimicrobial applications of copper

Copper has long been known to have antimicrobial activity and is used in drinking water treatment and transportation. It has been recognized by the American Environmental Protection Agency as the first metallic antimicrobial agent in 2008. With ongoing waterborne hospital-acquired infections and ant...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of hygiene and environmental health 2016-10, Vol.219 (7), p.585-591
Main Authors: Vincent, Marin, Hartemann, Philippe, Engels-Deutsch, Marc
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Air Pollutants
Anti-Infective Agents
Antimicrobial
Copper
Disinfection
Hospital-acquired infection
Water Pollutants
Water Purification - methods
Water treatment
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Summary:Copper has long been known to have antimicrobial activity and is used in drinking water treatment and transportation. It has been recognized by the American Environmental Protection Agency as the first metallic antimicrobial agent in 2008. With ongoing waterborne hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance, research on copper as an antimicrobial agent is again very attractive. Many studies have shown that the use of copper surface and copper particles could significantly reduce the environmental bioburden. This review highlights in its first part all the conditions described in the literature to enhance copper antimicrobial activity. Secondly, the different antimicrobial applications of copper in water treatment, hospital care units and public applications are presented. Finally, the future research needs on copper as an antimicrobial agent are discussed.
ISSN:1438-4639
1618-131X
DOI:10.1016/j.ijheh.2016.06.003