Inhibitory effects of copper on bacterial and fungal growth
Abstract
Introduction: Researchers conducted a literature, technology and patent search that traced the history of understanding the “bacteriostatic and sanitizing properties of copper and copper alloy surfaces” which demonstrated that copper, in very small quantities, has the Copper alloy surfaces have intrinsic properties to destroy a wide range of microorganisms. Today copper, in the form of plumbing tube, copper or copper-alloy surfaces proved to be a significant step in decreasing the fungal and bacterial infections in hospitals.
Aims and objective: To know the bactericidal and fungicidal properties of copper for its implication in various areas in preventing nosocomial infection.
Material and Methods: Eight sterile petri dishes (four for Blood agar media and four for MacConkey agar media) and two sterile 30 ml screw capped bottles (for Sabouraud’s Dextrose agar media) were taken. Sterile copper discs were placed in four plates of Blood agar and MacConkey agar media and other four plates were without copper discs. In the same way copper piece was placed in one of the bottle with Sabourauds Dextrose agar media. Pure growths of E. coli, Klebsiella and candida were inoculated and incubated.
Results: The plates with bacterial and fungal growth were reported accordingly. The growth was significantly reduced in Plates and bottles with copper discs.
Conclusion: Copper alloy surfaces have intrinsic properties to destroy a wide range of microorganisms so copper’s use in water supplies and surfaces are recommended.
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References
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