Application of antimicrobial properties of copper

Abstract

The antimicrobial properties of copper ions can reduce the overgrowth of microorganisms to a certain extent. That reduces the amount of antibiotics used, to avoid superbugs and potential harm. The authors reviewed the antimicrobial mechanisms of copper and copper‐containing nanoparticles (NPs), focusing on the factors influencing their antimicrobial properties. They concluded that the antimicrobial properties were better in environments conducive to the precipitation of copper ions and exposure to microorganisms. Comparing copper with other metal ions leads to the question of why copper is such an important antimicrobial metal ion. In recent years, with the development of science and technology and the understanding of the microscopic world, scientists have skillfully applied the antimicrobial properties of copper in various settings, from direct contact with food to breeding and hygienic environments, and have confirmed the safety of the application. However, because of the toxic effect of NPs, the future goal is to synthesize a copper‐containing NP with good biocompatibility and antibacterial efficiency to benefit human society.