Antimicrobial applications of copper.
Copper has long been known to have antimicrobial activity and is used in drinking water treatment and transportation. It has been recognized by the American Environmental Protection Agency as the first metallic antimicrobial agent in 2008. With ongoing waterborne hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance, research on copper as an antimicrobial agent is again very attractive. Many studies have shown that the use of copper surface and copper particles could significantly reduce the environmental bioburden. This review highlights in its first part all the conditions described in the literature to enhance copper antimicrobial activity. Secondly, the different antimicrobial applications of copper in water treatment, hospital care units and public applications are presented. Finally, the future research needs on copper as an antimicrobial agent are discussed.
CNRS, LEMTA, UMR 7563, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54500, France; Université de Lorraine, LEMTA, UMR 7563, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54500, France.
Marin
M
Vincent
Université de Lorraine, DESP, Faculté de Médecine, INSERM EA 7298, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54500, France.
Philippe
P
Hartemann
CNRS, LEMTA, UMR 7563, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54500, France; Université de Lorraine, LEMTA, UMR 7563, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54500, France; Université de Lorraine, DESP, Faculté de Médecine, INSERM EA 7298, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy F-54500, France. Electronic address: marc.engels@sfr.fr.
Marc
M
Engels-Deutsch
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003300:Copper; D014873:Water Pollutants; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*
D000393:Air Pollutants; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D014873:Water Pollutants; D003300:Copper
Antimicrobial; Copper; Disinfection; Hospital-acquired infection; Water treatment