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.
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January 2020
Research Article|
February 10 2020
In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy and durability of three copper surfaces used in healthcare
Elizabeth A. Bryce;
Elizabeth A. Bryce
a)
1
Division of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Vancouver Coastal Health
, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
2
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia
, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
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Billie Velapatino;
Billie Velapatino
2
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia
, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
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Hamed Akbari Khorami;
Hamed Akbari Khorami
3
Department of Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia
, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Tysha Donnelly-Pierce;
Tysha Donnelly-Pierce
2
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia
, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
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Titus Wong;
Titus Wong
1
Division of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Vancouver Coastal Health
, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1M9, Canada
2
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia
, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
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Richard Dixon;
Richard Dixon
4
Materials Coordinator, Coalition Healthcare Acquired Infection Reduction (CHAIR) Canada
, Vancouver, British Columbia V6P 0G6, Canada
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Edouard Asselin
Edouard Asselin
3
Department of Materials Engineering, University of British Columbia
, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z4, Canada
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a)
Electronic mail: Elizabeth.Bryce@vch.ca
Biointerphases 15, 011005 (2020)
Article history
Received:
October 31 2019
Accepted:
January 22 2020
Citation
Elizabeth A. Bryce, Billie Velapatino, Hamed Akbari Khorami, Tysha Donnelly-Pierce, Titus Wong, Richard Dixon, Edouard Asselin; In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy and durability of three copper surfaces used in healthcare. Biointerphases 1 January 2020; 15 (1): 011005. https://doi.org/10.1116/1.5134676
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