title: Copper as a biocidal tool.
abstract: Copper ions, either alone or in copper complexes, have been used to disinfect liquids, solids and human tissue for centuries. Today copper is used as a water purifier, algaecide, fungicide, nematocide, molluscicide as well as an anti-bacterial and anti-fouling agent. Copper also displays potent anti-viral activity. This article reviews (i) the biocidal properties of copper; (ii) the possible mechanisms by which copper is toxic to microorganisms; and (iii) the systems by which many microorganisms resist high concentrations of heavy metals, with an emphasis on copper.
authors.affiliation: Cupron Inc. gadi@cupron.com
authors.forename: Gadi
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Borkow
authors.forename: Jeffrey
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gabbay
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D001419:Bacteria / Q000187:drug effects; D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D014780:Viruses / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003300:Copper