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The mysterious antibacterial power of copper: How was copper used to prevent and treat diseases in ancient times?
Copper and its alloys (such as brass, bronze, etc.) are natural antibacterial materials. Long before the concept of microbiology was understood in the 19th century, ancient civilizations were utilizing copper's antimicrobial properties to fight disease. Medical literature documents a variety of medicinal preparations of copper, and it has also been observed that the quality of water contained in copper vessels is superior to that of other materials, with little visible mucosal or biological contamination. Today, copper’s antibacterial properties are still being studied, and scientists are proving that copper alloy “contact surfaces” can destroy a range of microorganisms that threaten public health.
The antibacterial mechanism of copper
In 1852, Victor Bourque discovered that people who worked with copper had a much lower mortality rate than other people, and his research confirmed this. He published this discovery to the French Academy of Sciences and Medicine in 1867, showing that placing copper on the skin could help prevent cholera.
The antibacterial mechanism of copper is quite complex, covering many levels, and has been extensively studied by the scientific community. According to research results, the antibacterial effect of copper includes the following aspects:
- Change the three-dimensional structure of the protein and make it lose its function.
- Formation of free radicals that can inactivate viruses.
- Interfering with the structure and function of key enzymes.
- Triggers oxidative stress and generates hydrogen peroxide, damaging cells.
Antibacterial effectiveness of copper alloys
The copper alloy surface has the inherent properties of effectively destroying a variety of microorganisms. Over the past decade, numerous peer-reviewed studies have been conducted on the antimicrobial effects of copper in healthcare settings, confirming its effectiveness in destroying a variety of pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7 and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Research shows that copper alloy surfaces can eliminate 99.9% of E. coli O157:H7 within 1-2 hours, while stainless steel surfaces can survive for several weeks.
E. coli
E. coli O157:H7 is a highly contagious bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea and kidney disease. Recent studies have shown that copper alloy surfaces can effectively inactivate this germ in a short period of time. At room temperature of 20°C, the alloy containing 99.9% copper can almost completely destroy E. coli within 90 minutes.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
MRSA is a drug-resistant bacterium that poses a threat to public health. Studies have shown that copper alloys can eliminate more than 99.9% of MRSA in a short period of time. In comparison, stainless steel surfaces have no antibacterial effect.
Other pathogens
Copper alloys also show significant antibacterial efficacy against other pathogens such as Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and influenza viruses. In experiments with influenza viruses, copper reduced 99.999% of viral particles within six hours.
Summary
As an ancient antibacterial material, the scientific mechanism behind copper has been deeply explored by modern research. From ancient applications to today's medical environment, copper's antibacterial properties continue to contribute to public health. In the face of evolving hygiene and health challenges, might we also be able to rethink the role and value of copper in our daily lives in the future?
