Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 21, 2025
05:57
Author Spotlight: Metallic Nanocomposites to Eliminate Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria
Published on: October 4, 2024
1.2K
Antimicrobial Copper Cold Spray Coatings and SARS-CoV-2 Surface Inactivation
Bryer C Sousa1, Danielle L Cote1
1Materials Science and Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA USA.
MRS Advances
|January 13, 2021
Summary
Copper cold spray coatings offer antimicrobial benefits against SARS-CoV-2, preventing fomite transmission in healthcare settings. These surfaces rapidly inactivate the virus, enhancing COVID-19 pandemic prevention strategies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Infectious Disease Control
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- High-touch surfaces in healthcare settings are critical fomite transmission routes for SARS-CoV-2.
- Antimicrobial properties of copper have been recognized for their ability to inactivate pathogens.
- Copper cold spray technology offers a method for applying durable, functional copper coatings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of copper cold spray coatings as a preventative measure against SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
- To explore the antipathogenic contact killing and inactivating performance of these copper surfaces.
- To detail the mechanisms by which copper cold spray coatings inactivate SARS-CoV-2 virions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on copper-based antipathogenic coatings and surfaces.
- Analysis of research focusing on copper cold spray applications in biomedical and healthcare environments.
- Examination of the microstructurally-mediated pathway of copper ion diffusion in cold spray coatings.
Main Results:
- Copper cold spray coatings demonstrate rapid inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 virions upon surface contact.
- The application of these coatings to high-touch surfaces can mitigate fomite transmission of the virus.
- Copper ion diffusion, facilitated by the unique microstructure of cold spray coatings, is key to antipathogenic activity.
Conclusions:
- Copper cold spray surfaces and coatings present a viable strategy for preventing fomite transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
- The rapid inactivating performance of these copper surfaces supports their use in enhancing COVID-19 pandemic prevention.
- Further research into the long-term efficacy and application of these coatings is warranted.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Antimicrobial Effectiveness
780
The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
780
01:23Hand hygiene
5.1K
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
5.1K
01:27Chemical Agents for Microbial Control
578
Chemicals play important roles in controlling microbial growth by targeting microbial structures and functions as sanitizers, antiseptics, disinfectants, and sterilants.Alcohols are commonly used sanitizers, effectively disrupting lipid membranes, which compromises cell integrity. They are also used as antiseptics and disinfectants due to their rapid action and versatility.Phenols and their derivatives phenolics , known for denaturing proteins and disrupting cell membranes, are particularly...
578
01:28Biological Methods for Microbial Control
610
Biological agents offer an effective means of controlling microbial growth by leveraging natural processes like predation, competition, and the secretion of antimicrobial substances.Predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio species target and kill pathogens like Salmonella and E. coli. They are widely used in poultry farms to control infections. Myxococcus species help combat plant-pathogenic fungi. These naturally occurring predators serve as eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides and...
610
01:18Surface Membrane Barriers
2.0K
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
2.0K
01:26Physical Methods for Controlling Microbial Growth: Radiation and Filtration
768
Radiation and filtration are essential tools for microbial control, targeting microorganisms through distinct mechanisms. Radiation eliminates microbes by damaging their DNA, either killing them or inhibiting their growth. Based on wavelength, radiation is classified into two types: nonionizing and ionizing radiation.Non-ionizing radiation, such as UV radiation (200–400 nm), is absorbed by DNA, causing defects that effectively disinfect surfaces, air, and water, including safety cabinets.
768