Killing of bacteria by copper surfaces involves dissolved copper

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2010 Jun;76(12):4099-101. doi: 10.1128/AEM.00424-10. Epub 2010 Apr 23.

Abstract

Bacteria are rapidly killed on copper surfaces. However, the mechanism of this process remains unclear. Using Enterococcus hirae, the effect of inactivation of copper homeostatic genes and of medium compositions on survival and copper dissolution was tested. The results support a role for dissolved copper ions in killing.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cations, Divalent / toxicity
  • Colony Count, Microbial
  • Copper / toxicity*
  • Culture Media / chemistry
  • Enterococcus / drug effects*
  • Microbial Viability / drug effects*

Substances

  • Cations, Divalent
  • Culture Media
  • Copper