Contribution of Copper Ion Resistance to Survival of Escherichia coli on Metallic Copper Surfaces

Abstract

Bacterial contamination of touch surfaces poses a serious threat for public health. The use of bactericidal surface materials, such as copper and its alloys, might constitute a way to aid the use of antibiotics and disinfectants, thus minimizing the risk of emergence and spread of multiresistant germs. The survival of Escherichia coli on metallic copper surfaces has been studied previously; however, the mechanisms underlying bacterial inactivation on copper surfaces have not been elucidated. Data presented in this study suggest that bacteria are killed rapidly on dry copper surfaces. Several factors, such as copper ion toxicity, copper chelators, cold, osmotic stress, and reactive oxygen species, but not anaerobiosis, influenced killing rates. Strains deleted in copper detoxification systems were slightly more sensitive than was the wild type. Preadaptation to copper enhanced survival rates upon copper surface exposure. This study constitutes a first step toward understanding the reasons for metallic copper surface-mediated killing of bacteria.Copper, both in its metallic and ionic forms, has been exploited empirically since ancient times for medical uses in countless cultures around the globe. Later, the therapeutic powers of this metal were accredited to its antimicrobial properties for the curing of various wound and skin diseases.

Preparation and rapid analysis of antibacterial silver, copper and zinc doped sol–gel surfaces

“…Silver has been used to prevent bacterial colonisation of prostheses [2], catheters [3], and human skin [4]. In hospitals, copper alloys, used in doorknobs and other surfaces, exerted an in vitro antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli O157, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile while equivalent stainless steel surfaces did not [5][6][7][8]. Copper and zinc amalgams have proven useful in dental materials [6] while their salts have been incorporated into mouthwashes for the treatment of gingivitis [9].…”

Actividad bactericida de superficies de cobre frente a bacterias asociadas a infecciones nosocomiales, en un modelo in vitro de adherencia y sobrevivencia

“…El comportamiento de estas cepas chilenas podría explicarse por la eventual producción de proteínas fijadoras de Cu por parte de estas cepas, las cuales podían formar un complejo y detoxificar el Cu; este tipo de proteínas ha sido descrito en cepas de Vibrio y Pseudomonas spp. 17,21 . También han sido descritos en Pseudomonas y E. coli, genes de resistencia al Cu codificados en plasmidios 22 .…”

Effects of Homogeneous Low Energy Electron Beam Irradiation (HLEBI) on Adhesive Energy of Peeling Resistance of Laminated Sheet with Polyurethane (PU) and Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)

“…Their many uses range from exible foam in upholstered furniture, to rigid foam as insulation in walls, roofs and appliances, to thermoplastic pure PU used in medical devices and footwear, to coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers used on oors and automotive interiors. 1) PET have a reputation of being able to gas barrier property and insulation, but dif cult adhesives. In other words, it indicates that we can projected use in the semiconductor eld.…”