Copper Surfaces in Biofilm Control.
Inês B GomesMariana SousaLúcia Chaves SimõesPublished in: Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland) (2020)
Biofilms are structures comprising microorganisms associated to surfaces and enclosed by an extracellular polymeric matrix produced by the colonizer cells. These structures protect microorganisms from adverse environmental conditions. Biofilms are typically associated with several negative impacts for health and industries and no effective strategy for their complete control/eradication has been identified so far. The antimicrobial properties of copper are well recognized among the scientific community, which increased their interest for the use of these materials in different applications. In this review the use of different copper materials (copper, copper alloys, nanoparticles and copper-based coatings) in medical settings, industrial equipment and plumbing systems will be discussed considering their potential to prevent and control biofilm formation. Particular attention is given to the mode of action of copper materials. The putative impact of copper materials in the health and/or products quality is reviewed taking into account their main use and the possible effects on the spread of antimicrobial resistance.
Keyphrases
- biofilm formation
- oxide nanoparticles
- candida albicans
- healthcare
- staphylococcus aureus
- pseudomonas aeruginosa
- mental health
- public health
- antimicrobial resistance
- high resolution
- health information
- induced apoptosis
- cystic fibrosis
- human health
- climate change
- oxidative stress
- heavy metals
- quality improvement
- endoplasmic reticulum stress
- cell death
- mass spectrometry
- electronic health record