Before Antony van Leeuwenhoek discovered the existence of bacteria in
humans in 1863, diseases were thought to be caused by bad air from stinky trash
and rotten meat. People long ago believed that as long as they don’t inhale
this bad air, they won’t get sick. When it was proven that bacteria is indeed
the primary culprit of most illnesses, no one felt safe anymore. Everyone
started to become too anxious, especially when making contact with commonly
touched surfaces at home or in public places, such as door knobs and handrails.
Until it was confirmed that some types of bacteria are actually good for
the health (some even living inside the body to fight off bad bacteria) and
when antibiotic drugs were introduced, the unease continued. Surprisingly, even
with these advancements many still find themselves at the mercy of illness
caused by harmful microorganisms. Thankfully, there are more than a couple of
ways to deal with germs. One of these is using certain types of metal.
Metals
that Kill Bacteria
Some non-ferrous metals, or those that do not contain or are not bonded
with iron, have antimicrobial properties. They are able to not just repel
bacteria but actually kill them. These metals include silver, copper, aluminum,
zinc, brass, bronze, tin, and silicon. An experiment conducted by researchers
from the University of Swaziland’s Physics department on the effectiveness of
these metals in combating coliform bacteria revealed that the metals are indeed
capable of killing bacteria. It was also revealed that copper, silver, and zinc
have the highest rate of destruction caused to the coliforms.
The antimicrobial properties of these metals are mainly due to the
oligodynamic effect, a phenomenon that triggers the death or deactivation of
bacteria as a result of exposure to metal ions. While the exact mechanism of
this effect is still unknown, there have been many studies that confirm the
denaturing effect of metal ions on the protein content of bacteria, which then
leads to their demise. Some studies suggest that the metal ions merge with DNA
and cellular enzymes and shut them down as well.
Practical
Applications
The discovery of this unique property has made copper alloys and zinc a
staple in water storage and distribution systems where sanitation is a huge
deal. Although silver performs just as effectively as copper, it is much more
expensive, which is why it is rarely used for making water pipes and tanks.
Copper is more affordable and abundant in supply, too. Its major alloys—brass
and bronze—are widely used for making tubes and containers needed in hospitals
and agricultural facilities. Brass square tube and fitting products have become more common, eventually
reducing the rate of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea and typhoid.
In residential and commercial facilities, brass
and other copper alloys have become a popular addition, too. They are used to
cover commonly touched and easily grimed areas, including countertops and
railings. They are prized not only for their antimicrobial properties but also
for their naturally elegant gloss and color.
If you are planning to equip your space with oligodynamic metals to
reduce the risk of sickness in the family, it would definitely help to consult
with trusted metal suppliers like Rotax Metals. This way you can be sure of the
quality of materials you will be getting. If you need brass tubes for your
piping systems, they can easily find the most suitable grade of brass for you.
About
Rotax Metals: Rotax Metals is a premier supplier of copper,
brass, and bronze products in North America. Apart from that, we also offer
special services, such as metal polishing, metal shearing, waterjet cutting,
and metal fabrication. If you need custom extrusions, we can help you as well.
Whether you are a sculptor looking for the right bronze block for your project
or a plumber in need of new oligodynamic metal supplies, we’ve got you covered.
Sources:
Discovery of bacteria in humans: Sept. 17, 1683, healthcentral.com
Antibacterial properties of some metals and
alloys in combating coliforms in contaminated water, academicjournals.org
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