I’ve always heard that brass door knobs are best because they’re “naturally anti-microbial”. How is that possible?
In: Biology
Most metals are antimicrobial to [some extent](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oligodynamic_effect) because metal ions easily make their way into microbes and they usually aren’t very good for living things – they can disrupt biological processes, damage DNA, or create other substances that also do these things.
However, metal also has some problems: they form a thick rust coating negating this benefit (Al), are poisonous to humans (Ni) or are too expensive (Pt). Copper-based alloys, like brass, tend to have the least problems, forming a thin enough rust layer and being suitably affordable, effective and safe, which is why they’re most prevalent.
How/Why is brass antimicrobial ?
byu/rafeykashan inaskscience
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