Antimicrobial Copper is the only touch surface material registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is a natural antimicrobial agent of copper itself and is very effective in support of preventing infectious diseases.

The copper surface directly interacts with the bacterial envelope, which destroys its cell membrane, causing the bacterial cell to lose its essential nutrients and moisture. This weakens the cell. Additionally, a short circuit of current occurs in the bacteria cell membrane, which weakens it further and creates a hole.

Another method of making holes in the cell membrane is local oxidation or corrosion, which occurs when a single copper molecule or copper ions are released from the copper surface and attack the building blocks (proteins or fatty acids) of the cell membrane. The breakthrough of the cell’s primary barrier – and the resulting flow of copper ions into the cell – creates a deadly process that threatens bacterial cells.

Copper ions flowing into the cell dominate it and interfere with cell metabolism (a biochemical reaction necessary for maintaining cell life). This destruction process is carried out and promoted by an enzyme, which stops enzymatic activity when excess copper binds to the enzyme. This kills bacteria; they are no longer able to breathe, eat, digest, and generate energy.

STAGE 1
Copper ions on the surface are recognized as an essential nutrient and enter the cell.

STAGE 2
A lethal dose of copper ions interferes with normal cell functions and membrane integrity.

STAGE 3
Copper ions impede cell respiration/metabolism.

SOURCE: Drs. Grass, Keevil, Ransing, and Soliox courtesy of the Copper Development Association

“viRepel AC starts to compromise the Coronavirus on contact.”

Richard Gibson, Director of Operations at the ImPaKT Facility, Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry.

PROVEN BENEFITS

Multiple studies have proven the incredible advantages of copper over other surfaces in protecting people from contracting diseases from bacteria and viruses.  Here are some sources of information you might find of interest;

How does copper kill germs?
Article Summary;  The 5 main pathways or ‘kill mechanisms’ through which copper destroys bacteria.  

How long does covid-19 live on copper surfaces?
Article Summary;  A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that COVID-19 remained viable in aerosols for up to 3 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours, and on plastic and stainless steel for up to 72 hours after application to these surfaces. However, the virus remained contagious on copper for up to 4 hours; a significantly shorter time than on many other hard surfaces.  

Antimicrobial properties of a novel copper-based composite coating with potential for use in healthcare facilities
Article Summary; A US hospital test of copper alloy’s ability to combat bacteria demonstrated that copper surfaces were found to have significantly lower concentrations of bacteria.

Copper Alloy Surfaces Kill Bacteria and Reduce Hospital-Acquired Infections
Article Summary;  A clinical trial that determined ‘the placement of copper alloy components…may have the potential to reduce not only hospital-acquired infections but also patient treatment costs’.

An Introduction to antimicrobial copper
Article Summary;  After rigorous testing, copper alloy has been registered as antimicrobial public materials by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Copper alloys are solid metal materials that continuously kill more than 99.9% of bacteria that cause healthcare-associated infections within two hours of contact.

Potential action of copper surfaces on methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (‘Staph’)
Article Summary;  A scientific study on the impact copper has on MRSA  (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ). MRSA or ‘staph’ infections can be resistant to antibiotics. Through the experiment, the results indicate that MRSA was rapidly killed through exposure to copper surfaces by compromising cellular respiration and damaging cell DNA. 

Copper kills coronavirus.  Why aren’t our surfaces covered in it
Article Summary;  Civilizations have recognized copper’s antimicrobial properties for centuries and it is time to bring the material back. ‘When influenzas, bacteria like E. coli, superbugs like MRSA, or even coronaviruses land on most hard surfaces, they can live for up to four to five days. But when they land on copper, and copper alloys like brass, they begin to die within minutes and are undetectable within hours’.

The bacteria-fighting super element that’s making a comeback in hospitals: copper
Article Summary;  Washing Post story which speaks to how copper can kill or inactivate a variety of pathogens. Also references a recent study that found that copper also destroys norovirus.’

Copper surfaces as a killing mechanism
Article Summary;  Summary of an article published by the National Library of Medicine, stating that “…(copper biocidal surfaces) could not only help to prevent infection spread but also prevent horizontal gene transmission which is responsible for the evolution of virulent toxin-producing and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”

Stainless Steel Versus Copper
Article Summary;  Noted biological researcher, Professor Bill Keevil, speaks to the disinfection properties of copper versus other materials.  “One of the ironies is, people [install] stainless steel because it seems clean and in a way, it is.  But then the argument is how often do you clean? …. Copper, by contrast, disinfects merely by being there”.