It interferes with proteins that operate important functions that keep bacterial cells alive.
It generates oxidative stress on bacterial cells and creates hydrogen peroxide that can kill the cell.
It disrupts bacterial cell membranes - copper ions damage cell membranes or "envelopes" and can destroy the DNA or RNA of the microbe.
This is referred to as "contact killing."Īccording to Edward Bilsky, Ph.D., Provost and Chief Academic Officer at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, copper can kill germs in a few ways: However, the microorganism has to come in contact with the copper in order for it to be killed.
Copper has antimicrobial properties, meaning it can kill microorganisms like bacteria and viruses.