How do anti-bacterial surfaces work?
In: Biology
It depends on the type of surface. Surfaces that contain copper, brass door knobs for example, are believed to be antimicrobial because of cupric ion, Cu2+ which is toxic to the cell and causes cellular death. Other surfaces, like smooth metal, may work by drying quickly. Microbes need moister to stay alive, or they dry out and die. Think of items drying in your dishwasher, your metal pots are dry but your plastic ware is still wet.
Anything that promote cellular death could be considered antimicrobial. The two most popular forms of cellular death is death by dehydration or death by contact with a toxic element. (Toxic on the cellular level. It’s not toxic to you because most surface skin is already dead skin.)
Latest Answers