A Breakthrough in Hygiene Control
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new weapon in the fight against bacteria: copper-coated steel. This innovative material shows promise in eliminating up to 90% of bacteria on surfaces, offering a significant advancement in hygiene control.
The Science Behind Copper-Coated Steel
Copper has long been recognized for its inherent antimicrobial properties. By infusing steel with copper, researchers have created a material that leverages this natural benefit. It uses a dual strategy where nano-scale needle-like structures on the stainless steel physically damage bacterial cell membranes. Additionally, a thin copper coating boosts antibacterial effectiveness due to copper’s inherent properties.
This copper-coated steel has the potential to be particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas like hospitals, public transportation, and food processing facilities. Imagine doorknobs, elevator buttons, and countertops that actively reduce bacterial populations, helping to create a cleaner and safer environment.
Potential to Save Lives
The development of copper-coated steel by Georgia Tech researchers offers a promising avenue for enhanced hygiene control. As research progresses, this innovation has the potential to make a significant impact on public health and safety.
It could also save lives: a global study of drug-resistant infections found they directly killed 1.27 million people in 2019 and contributed to nearly 5 million other deaths — making these infections one of the leading causes of death for every age group. By reducing the overall bacterial burden in public spaces, copper-coated steel could play a role in curbing the rise of antibiotic resistance and its associated health risks.
