Title
In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy and durability of three copper surfaces used in healthcare
Date Issued
01 January 2020
Access level
metadata only access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Bryce E.A.
Akbari Khorami H.
Donnelly-Pierce T.
Wong T.
Dixon R.
Asselin E.
University of British Columbia
Publisher(s)
American Institute of Physics Inc.
Abstract
Antimicrobial properties of solid copper (Cu) surfaces against various microorganisms have been demonstrated, but little is known about the durability and relative antimicrobial efficacy of different Cu formulations currently used in healthcare. The aim of this study was to assess whether three different formulations of copper-bearing alloys (integral, spray-on and Cu-impregnated surfaces) and a stainless steel control differed in their antimicrobial efficacy, durability, and compatibility with hospital-grade cleaner/disinfectants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency draft protocol for the evaluation of bactericidal activity of Cu containing alloys was modified to more accurately reflect cleaning methods in healthcare. The three different Cu alloys were evaluated using 25 × 25 × 3 mm disks subjected to one year of simulated cleaning and disinfection using the Wiperator™ with microfiber cloths presoaked in three common hospital disinfectants: accelerated hydrogen peroxide, quaternary ammonium, or sodium hypochlorite solutions. Bactericidal activity was evaluated using Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. While all Cu formulations exhibited some antimicrobial activity, integral and spray-on Cu alloys showed the greatest efficacy. Assessments of durability included documentation of changes in mass, morphological changes by scanning electron microscopy, chemical composition alteration by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and surface roughness alteration using profilometry over one year of simulated use. The integral Cu alloy had the least mass loss (0.20% and 0.19%) and abrasion-corrosion rate (6.28 and 6.09 μm/yr) compared to stainless steel. The integral product also showed the highest durability. Exposure to disinfectants affected both the antimicrobial efficacy and durability of the various copper products.
Volume
15
Issue
1
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Patología
Ingeniería ambiental y geológica
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85079235636
PubMed ID
Source
Biointerphases
ISSN of the container
19348630
Sponsor(s)
This study was funded by Teck Resources Limited through the Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation. The manufacturers provided all the Cu materials at their cost with full knowledge of the intent of the study. The authors declare no potential conflicts of interest.
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus