In experiments, a new type of copper with a special structure can eliminate nearly all Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on surfaces in just 2 minutes.
Copper can kill bacteria upon contact, but it typically takes at least an hour to achieve this thoroughly. Researchers from RMIT University in Australia and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) have collaborated to develop a new type of copper that can remove nearly 100% of harmful bacteria in just two minutes, as reported by New Atlas on December 13.
Microscope image of the new copper with tiny hollow cavities. (Photo: RMIT University Australia)
Regular copper kills bacteria by releasing ions that penetrate the protective outer membrane of microorganisms. However, this is not an instantaneous process, often requiring about 1 to 4 hours to eliminate most bacteria adhering to the metal. This can be quite inconvenient when using copper to sanitize pathogens on surfaces frequently touched by humans, such as door handles.
To create the new type of copper, the team first developed an alloy from manganese and copper atoms. Through a cost-effective chemical process known as “selective etching”, manganese atoms are removed. The resulting product is a porous copper filled with tiny cavities that once contained manganese atoms.
This structure provides a significantly larger surface area compared to smooth, traditional copper, allowing for the release of more ions. Additionally, while water forms small droplets on traditional copper surfaces, it is absorbed and spread into a thin film on the new type of copper. According to the research team, this causes bacteria to spread across the copper surface, allowing ions to penetrate their outer membranes more easily.
“The surface of standard copper kills about 97% of Staphylococcus aureus within 4 hours. But astonishingly, when we place Staphylococcus aureus on our specially designed copper surface, it eradicates over 99.99% in just two minutes. This means it is not only more effective but also 120 times faster,” stated Professor Ma Qian from RMIT University Australia.
The research team is investigating how effective the new copper is in killing SARS-COV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19. The new study was published in the journal Biomaterials. Previously, another group of experts at Purdue University in the United States researched the use of laser techniques to increase the surface area of copper, thereby enhancing its antibacterial effectiveness.
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