2009/04/27 by H.T. Michels, Harold T. Michels, J.O. Noyce +2 · 2 citations
Chemistry · Medicine · #Antimicrobial agents and applications #Contact Dermatitis and Allergies #Infection Control in Healthcare
paper · doi:10.1111/j.1472-765x.2009.02637.x
openalex publication_date 2009/04/27 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
AIMS: To compare silver and copper, metals with known antimicrobial properties, by evaluating the effects of temperature and humidity on efficacy by challenging with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Using standard methodology described in a globally used Japanese Industrial Standard, JIS Z 2801, a silver ion-containing material exhibited >5 log reduction in MRSA viability after 24 h at >90% relative humidity (RH) at 20 degrees C and 35 degrees C but only a <0.3 log at approximately 22% RH and 20 degrees C and no reduction at approximately 22% RH and 35 degrees C. Copper alloys demonstrated >5 log reductions under all test conditions. CONCLUSIONS: While the high humidity (>90% RH) and high temperature (35 degrees C) utilized in JIS Z 2801 produce measurable efficacy in a silver ion-containing material, it showed no significant response at lower temperature and humidity levels typical of indoor environments. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The high efficacy levels displayed by the copper alloys, at temperature and humidity levels typical of indoor environments, compared to the low efficacy of the silver ion-containing material under the same conditions, favours the use of copper alloys as antimicrobial materials in indoor environments such as hospitals.