Innovative Copper Coating Emerges as a Potential Weapon Against Superbugs

A novel copper coating with enhanced antibacterial properties is on the horizon for hospitals and other high-traffic facilities. Unlike current formulations, which are effective but slower in killing certain types of bacteria with thicker cell walls, this new coating developed by a team of UBC researchers offers a more efficient solution.

Led by Dr. Amanda Clifford, an assistant professor in the department of materials engineering, the team has designed a nano-copper coating that incorporates nanoscale features and zinc to effectively eliminate bacteria. The nanoscale features consist of tiny bumps that rupture the cell walls of bacteria, while zinc, known for its antibacterial properties, selectively oxidizes in the presence of copper, aiding in faster bacteria eradication compared to pure copper alone.

Dr. Clifford explains that the use of this coating could significantly reduce the risk of bacterial infections from frequently touched surfaces in healthcare facilities, such as doorknobs and elevator buttons. Its multi-faceted approach to killing bacteria makes it highly effective. Additionally, this coating is more cost-effective to produce as it requires less copper than existing coatings or copper parts.

The team’s research revealed that the material took only one hour to eliminate 99.7 percent of Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive pathogen commonly associated with hospital-acquired infections. In comparison, pure copper required two hours to achieve the same result.

Dr. Clifford emphasizes that this coating not only kills pathogens faster than pure copper but also helps preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics. By preventing patients from becoming infected in the first place, the rise of antibiotic resistance can be slowed down.

In summary, the development of this innovative copper coating presents a promising solution for combating bacterial infections in healthcare settings. Its ability to kill bacteria more efficiently and its cost-effectiveness make it a valuable addition to high-traffic facilities, contributing to improved hygiene and reduced antibiotic resistance.

The coating and fabrication process, as described in a recent publication in Advanced Materials Interfaces, has led the researchers to file a provisional patent. The focus of this innovation is primarily on hospitals and health care settings, where the presence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, including MRSA, poses a significant challenge. Dr. Clifford emphasizes the importance of not limiting the use of antibiotics in these locations. Moving forward, the team intends to expand their evaluation of the material to include other pathogens, such as viruses, in order to eventually bring their work to the commercial market.

This article is republished from PhysORG under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.