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Potential action of copper surfaces on meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

L Weaver1, J O Noyce, H T Michels

  • 1Environmental Healthcare Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. louise.weaver@esr.cri.govt.nz

Journal of Applied Microbiology
|November 3, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Copper surfaces rapidly kill methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by damaging DNA and compromising cellular respiration. This study reveals the antimicrobial mechanisms of copper, showing minimal impact on cell membrane integrity.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Materials Science
  • Biophysics

Background:

  • Copper surfaces exhibit rapid antimicrobial activity against bacteria.
  • The precise mechanisms behind copper's bactericidal effects remain largely unelucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the mechanistic actions of copper surfaces on bacterial cells.
  • To elucidate the impact of copper exposure on bacterial respiration, cell membrane integrity, and DNA.

Main Methods:

  • Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were exposed to copper and stainless steel surfaces.
  • Cellular respiration was assessed using 5-cyano-2,3-ditolyl tetrazolium (CTC).
  • Cell membrane integrity was evaluated using BacLight™ (SYTO9/propidium iodide) staining and epifluorescence microscopy.
  • Genomic DNA integrity was analyzed via agarose gel electrophoresis.

Main Results:

  • Copper exposure led to a reduction in CTC, indicating compromised cellular respiration.
  • No significant effect on cell membrane integrity was observed with BacLight™ staining.
  • Agarose gel electrophoresis revealed copper-induced damage to MRSA genomic DNA, with no observable bands.

Conclusions:

  • Copper surfaces rapidly kill MRSA by damaging DNA and inhibiting cellular respiration.
  • The antimicrobial effect of copper is primarily attributed to DNA damage and respiration compromise, not cell membrane disruption.
  • This study provides a mechanistic basis for the known rapid antimicrobial properties of copper surfaces.

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