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Historic uses of copper compounds in medicine
Abstract
This treatise reviews medical uses of various forms of copper recorded throughout the history of mankind. Ancient Egyptian papyri, Greek, Roman, Aztec, Hindu, and Persian writings as well as medieval and subsequent European medical literature record various consistent medical uses of copper. There are many reported uses of copper and its compounds as antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antiarrhythmic, antitumor, and antiepileptic agents. Copper was also recommended to promote wound healing and heal broken bones. Tracing the development of folk medicine and the many rediscoveries of the beneficial effects of copper compounds leads to the suggestion that serious consideration should be given to modern-day medical uses of complexes of this essential metalloelement.
... że naczynia miedziane były używane do przechowywania wody pitnej [29]. Najsłynniejszym lekarzem starożytnej Grecji był Hipokrates z Kos (460-375 lat p.n.e.). ...
... Podczas dwóch wielkich europejskich epidemii cholery w XIX wieku miedź stłumiła wybuch epidemii wśród pracowników przemysłu miedziowego. Pomimo wykazanych korzyści zainteresowanie miedzią zmniejszyło się ze względu na ograniczone rozumienie mechanizmów działania przeciwdrobnoustrojowego i podstaw wspomagania gojenia ran, a ponadto została ona zastąpiona odkryciem antybiotyków [21,29]. ...
... Istnieją również kremy kosmetyczne do twarzy, których aktywnym składnikiem jest miedź (np. Neutrogena Visably Firm® Face Lotion SPF 20) [21,29]. ...
Miedź od wieków była używana do eradykacji zakażeń bakteryjnych. Pierwiastek ten ma nie tylko działanie bakteriobójcze, ale również przyśpiesza proces angiogenezy i epitelizacji. W niniejszej pracy omówiono rolę miedzi w procesie gojenia ran.
For centuries copper has been used to fight bacterial infections. This element not only has a bactericidal effect, but it also accelerates the process of angiogenesis and epithelization. In the presented paper, the role of copper in the wound healing process has been discussed.
... Cu is also an antimicrobial agent. Its usage as an antimicrobial agent by human civilization dates back between 2600 and 2200 B.C. [7,8]. The Egyptians used Cu to sterilize chest wounds and to purify drinking water [8]. ...
... Its usage as an antimicrobial agent by human civilization dates back between 2600 and 2200 B.C. [7,8]. The Egyptians used Cu to sterilize chest wounds and to purify drinking water [8]. The Romans, Greeks, and others followed and used Cu for the treatment of infections and for hygienic purposes [8]. ...
... The Egyptians used Cu to sterilize chest wounds and to purify drinking water [8]. The Romans, Greeks, and others followed and used Cu for the treatment of infections and for hygienic purposes [8]. ...
The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 in the year of 2020 that drastically changed everyone’s life has raised the urgent and intense need for the development of more efficacious antiviral material. This study was designed to develop copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) as an antiviral agent and to validate the antiviral activities of developed copper NP. The Cu NPs were synthesized using a high energy electron beam, and the characteristic morphologies and antiviral activities of Cu NPs were evaluated. We found that Cu NPs are of spherical shape and uniformly distributed, with a diameter of around 100 nm, as opposed to the irregular shape of commercially available copper microparticles (Cu MPs). An X-ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of Cu and no copper oxide II and I in the Cu NPs. A virus inactivation assay revealed no visible viral DNA after 10- and 30-min treatment of H1N1 virus with the Cu NPs. The infectivity of the Cu NPs-treated H1N1 virus significantly decreased compared with that of the Cu MPs-treated H1N1 virus. The viability of A549 bronchial and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells infected with Cu NPs-treated H1N1 was significantly higher than those infected with Cu MPs-treated H1N1 virus. We also found cells infected with Cu NPs-treated H1N1 virus exhibited a markedly decreased presence of virus nucleoprotein (NuP), an influenza virus-specific structural protein, compared with cells infected with Cu MPs-treated H1N1 virus. Taken together, our study shows that Cu NPs are a more effective and efficacious antiviral agent compared with Cu MPs and offer promising opportunities for the prevention of devastatingly infectious diseases.
... From the ancient times, healers recognized the important role of copper in the treatment and maintenance of good health, although at that time they did not have the knowledge about the reaction mechanisms on microorganisms. In one of the oldest medical writings in the history of mankind dated 1600 BC, known as Smith papyrus, states that copper was used to sterilize drinking water and disinfect wounds [2,3]. In the Ebers papyrus from about 1550 BC the use of copper is recommended in the form of metal shavings, natural salts and oxides for the treatment of limb tremors (probably epilepsy), skin diseases and burns [4]. ...
... Copper was also used for medical purposes in the ancient Greece and Rome, in order to treat lung diseases, eye infections and disinfect fresh wounds. In Writings of Hippocrates [2], it was recommended to sprinkle fresh wounds with a mixture of dry powder of copper oxide and copper sulfate and to coat it with a mixture of honey and red copper oxide. ...
... In 1939, German medical researchers discovered that workers in copper mines and smelters did not suffer from arthritis during their active working in those facilities. This observation led researchers to use copper to treat arthritis, fever, sciatica, neck and back pain [2]. Recently there has been an assumption that the heart attack rate in France is the lowest of all European countries due to significantly higher consumption of red wine by the French, which has a higher copper content than white wine [7,8]. ...
Copper has long been known as a metal with outstanding antimicrobial properties. Although ancient healers were not familiar with the mechanisms of its influence on microorganisms, they had empirically established its effectiveness in sterilizing drinking water, disinfecting wounds, treating skin diseases, various infections and other maladies. Recently, there has been renewed interest in investigating copper and its alloys as possible materials that can limit the spread of bacteria and viruses, given that humanity is often facing various local epidemics, and rarely pandemics, as ongoing Corona virus, SARS CoV-2, first detected in March 2020. This paper reviews the recent literature in the research field of antimicrobial properties of metallic copper, its alloys and other copper - based materials, with the aim to promote their future implementation on contact surfaces, primarily in hospitals and institutions with a high frequency of people where the probability of spreading infection is increased.
... Working temperature, which is one of the parameters indicating glass stability, increased with the incorporation of Sr and Cu from 187 • C to 245 • C. The initial dissolution measurement has been applied to study the degradability behavior of Sr and Cu incorporated amorphous glasses in vitro. Quantitative evaluation of Si 4+ (0.156-0.373 kV), Ca 2+ (0.043-0.332 kV), Na + (0.044-0.329 kV), P 5+ (0.057-0.289 kV), Sr 2+ (0.134-0.385 kV), and Cu 2+ (0.090-0.203 kV) depending on the ion activation energy (E a-ion ) and ion concentration at different temperature values (24,37 and 55 • C) was performed in contact with Tris-HCl solution by ICP-OES analysis. The results revealed that investigated glasses were degradable and incorporation of Sr and Cu affected the glass initial dissolution. ...
... Additionally, Cu is known to have antibacterial properties. However, the mechanism of the antibacterial activity of Cu has not been fully elucidated yet [36][37][38][39][40]. Moreover, cellular Cu has a crucial role in angiogenesis due to its potential, related with angiogenesis growth factor FGF-2, to support angiogenesis in vitro [40][41][42]. ...
The current work presents and discusses the findings of a comprehensive study on the structural, chemical and thermal properties of SrO and CuO incorporated SiO2–CaO–Na2O–P2O5 amorphous silicate glass with a novel composition. Here, fundamental features (experimental density, oxygen density, and hardness) of all glasses were determined and chemical as well as phase composition of the glasses was verified with XRF and XRD, respectively. Moreover, the thermal behavior (viscos flow and crystallization kinetics) of amorphous silicate glass was investigated by non-isothermal methods using DTA analysis. The activation energies of glass transition (Eg) were calculated in the range of 546–1115 kJ/mol by Kissinger method, whereas the activation energies of crystallization (Ec) were calculated in the range of 164–270 kJ/mol by three different methods (Kissinger, Ozawa, Yinnon and Uhlmann). Avrami exponent (n) values ranged from 1.17 to 3.28 demonstrated that amorphous silicate glasses have different crystallization mechanism. Working temperature, which is one of the parameters indicating glass stability, increased with the incorporation of Sr and Cu from 187 °C to 245 °C. The initial dissolution measurement has been applied to study the degradability behavior of Sr and Cu incorporated amorphous glasses in vitro. Quantitative evaluation of Si⁴⁺ (0.156–0.373 kV), Ca²⁺ (0.043–0.332 kV), Na⁺ (0.156–0.329 kV), P⁵⁺ (0.057–0.289 kV), Sr²⁺ (0.134–0.385 kV), and Cu²⁺ (0.090–0.203 kV) depending on the ion activation energy (Ea-ion) and ion concentration at different temperature values (24, 37 and 55 °C) was performed in contact with Tris-HCl solution by ICP-OES analysis. The results revealed that investigated glasses were degradable and incorporation of Sr and Cu affected the glass initial dissolution. Overall, investigated glasses are suitable for various application such as hot-working production, glass-ceramic manufacturing, and glass or glass-ceramic scaffolds fabrication, due to wide working temperature ranges and high crystallization tendencies of the developed glasses.
... Silver (Ag) and Cu have been used to preserve food and water, to sterilize wounds, and to treat ailments by Aztecs, Persians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians since B.C.E times. 66,[79][80][81] Additionally, Zn has been found in the medicinal storages of B.C.E. Roman ruins. ...
... This bacterial cell suspension was centrifuged down to a pellet, washed three times with 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer solution, then resuspended in a fixation buffer of 2.5% glutaraldehyde in 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer and fixed for 50 min. The fixed bacterial cells were centrifuged, washed with sodium cacodylate buffer, and dehydrated stepwise with increasing concentrations of ethanol(30,50,70,80,90,95, and 100%) in water.After ethanol rinsing, the pellet was washed with propylene oxide three times. The resin infiltration steps were performed in the following manner. ...
Luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are continuously incorporated into bioassay, imaging, and treatment technologies. Cadmium-based QDs are commonly used in these technologies because of their superior optical properties—within the visible to near infrared wavelengths of light—compared to QDs made of other materials. However, concerns about cadmium toxicity have led to the increased use of protective coatings around cadmium-based QDs and to the development of QDs composed of more benign materials. The varying methods used to attain these QDs produce them with inherently different materials and structures. Additionally, QDs have varying homogeneous or heterogeneous surface chemistries. The QD surface may be either organic or aqueous-miscible; neutrally, positively, or negatively charged; and comprised of either short ligands, bulky biomolecules, or long polymeric chains. The different QD materials, structures, and surface chemistries impact whether QDs will associate with cells, and dictate what other interactions may occur after association.
Our studies aim to concurrently investigate the impact that varying QDs’ compositions have on their interactions with human and environmental health models in the context of antibacterial research. This context is important since there is currently a rise in the development of QD-based antibacterial treatments, which harness the inherent cytotoxic activity of QDs and steers it towards the rising onset of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Thus, this dissertation investigates the interactions of QDs with model liposomes, bacterial cells, and human red blood cells. We specifically compared the interactions of 1) CdSe core to ZnSe core QDs, 2) core QDs to ZnS-shelled QDs, 3) QDs with negatively charged ligand terminations to positively charged ligand terminations, and 4) core QDs of varying amine content surface coverage with these models. Various techniques—such as absorbance, emission, mass spectrometry, microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and FRET measurements—were used to characterize the QDs’ compositions and their interactions with the biological models. These studies have increased our mechanistic understanding of the interactions between QDs and cells, how to control these interactions, and how to design future QD technologies to have intended interactions with targeted organisms while maintaining minimal impact on organisms which are essential to human and environmental health.
... (1) Copper (Cu). The antimicrobial properties of copper have traditionally been used for treating diseases for thousands of years (Dollwet and Sorenson, 1985). Copper can cause microbial cell death by influencing membrane permeabilization, membrane lipid peroxidation, protein alteration, and denaturation of nucleic acids, and is effective against various types of microorganisms (Arendsen et al., 2019). ...
... Historical records indicate that copper was employed for sterilizing drinking water and treating wounds, dating back to some of the oldest writings [16]. Throughout the history of mankind, various civilizations have effectively utilized copper as an antibacterial agent [17,18]. In modern times, it is understood that the antibacterial activity of copper is closely associated with its high electrochemical potential, which enables it to easily donate and receive electrons. ...
This study presents a preliminary characterization of selective plated antibacterial copper coatings on medical-grade stainless steel 1.4021 and nickel alloy Ni200 substrates using two different copper electrolyte solutions with acidic and alkaline pH. The characterizations included analysis of the microstructure, phase composition, surface roughness, and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 bacteria. The results revealed uniform and continuous layers of single-phase solid-solution copper coatings without any cracks or defects. The coatings, produced using acidic or alkaline solutions, exhibited approximately 20% or 40% lower surface roughness compared to the substrate roughness. This suggests that the plating process led to a smoother surface finish. Importantly, all of the selective plated copper coatings exhibited antibacterial properties. Inhibition zones were identified, indicating the ability of the coatings to inhibit the growth of both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria. The use of the alkaline copper solution resulted in slightly larger inhibition zones compared to the acidic solution, indicating enhanced antibacterial activity. These findings suggest that the selective plated copper coatings on medical-grade stainless steel 1.4021 and nickel alloy Ni200 substrates have the potential to be effective antibacterial surfaces.
... The test was inspired by studies on C. irritans by Yin et al. (2019) showing that copper-zinc alloy sheets in fish tanks killed the parasite. The results also support previous notions that copper and copper alloy surfaces have bactericidal and antifungal effects (Dollwet and Sorenson, 1985;Molteni et al., 2010;Grass et al., 2011;San et al., 2015;Schmidt et al., 2016;Yin et al., 2019), and has resulted in registration of >300 copper containing antimicrobial materials (USEPA, 2008). ...
Infections with the parasitic ciliate Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876 challenge health of freshwater fishes worldwide by eliciting white spot disease (ichthyophthiriosis). A series of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and herbal extracts are currently in use to control the infections by regular or continuous administration to aquaculture systems. Recently application of brass (copper/zinc alloys) metal sheets in marine fish tanks was shown to eliminate tomonts of a related ciliate, Cryptocaryon irritans Brown, 1951 causing cryptocaryonosis (marine white
spot disease). The present work documents that brass, and each of its pure constituents (copper and zinc), have in vivo and in vitro antiparasitic effects in freshwater. We used an experimental model with I. multifiliis infected rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792). In the in vivo study metal sheets of either brass (alloy of copper and zinc), pure copper or pure zinc, were placed in fish tanks with trout experimentally infected with I.
multifiliis (duplicated trials). All three metals (pure or combined) effectively blocked the life cycle of I. multifiliis and inhibited reinfection and morbidity. In control tanks with infected
trout, but no metal sheets, we observed significantly elevated infection levels and development of disease. In vitro assays, exposing three life cycle stages (tomont, tomocyst and theront) to the same metal sheets in Petri dishes, confirmed the antiparasitic effects. Tomonts were sensitive to pure copper and brass (100% and 66 % mortality within 15 min, respectively) and zinc (100 % mortality within 30 min). Tomocysts, with enclosed tomites,
were less sensitive, as even 12 h exposure to brass, pure copper and zinc merely led to mortality rates of 44%, 50% and 60%, respectively. Theronts were killed within 75 min when exposed to brass and pure copper plates, whereas zinc plate exposure eliminated all theronts within 60 min. Microscopical observations suggested that direct contact between the parasite
and the metal sheet increased the parasiticidal effect, although the released metal ions may contribute may play a role. The use of stationary metal sheets in aquaculture settings may be a possible way to control ichthyophthiriosis. However, we measured the concentration of free metal ions in the fish tanks with metal sheets, which suggested release of metal to the water. This calls for additional studies on toxicology and environmental effects of metal sheet use before implementation at fish farms level.
... The antimicrobial properties of copper are well described [87] and its use dates back to ancient Egypt for the preservation of water and food, as well as for medical applications [88]. In the agri-food sector, copper-based compounds have been used as antimicrobial since the end of the 19th century, when its activity as fungicide was first described, being used as the "Bordeaux mixture" in vineyards [89]. ...
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has a significant global impact on human, animal, and environmental health. Misuse and overuse of antibiotics in clinical and animal production settings are the main drivers behind the emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria. However, other compounds with antimicrobial activity may also contribute to this global public health problem. The aim of this comprehensive review is to provide detailed insights into the impact of metals and organic acids on the emergence and spread of AMR in the food chain, for which their role is not fully understood. The review examines the widespread use of organic acids in the food industry as feed additives or disinfectants, the crucial role of copper in animal growth and the harmful effects of mercury and arsenic as pollutants in food-producing environments. Additionally, it explores the antimicrobial mechanisms of metals and organic acids, the tolerance mechanisms developed by bacteria, and the interplay between genes responsible for metal tolerance and AMR. The comprehensive and integrated data presented highlights the need to further explore and understand the role of metals and organic acids as drivers of AMR to develop well-defined strategies effectively mitigating the AMR crisis within the food chain context.
... Copper has strong antimicrobial properties and is commonly used in the manufacture of hospital door handles, touch pads, telephone buttons, toilets and other surfaces where microbial growth must be controlled (Dollwet and Sorenson, 1985). In 2008, more than 300 copper surfaces were registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as antimicrobial materials (Anonymous, 2008). ...
Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is one of the major threats to the livestock population. GI parasites steal nutrients from their hosts, which can result in direct and indirect damage, and in severe cases death of the hosts. To combat infection by GI parasites, different deworming strategies are used which definitely decrease the worm load. In addition, appropriate pasture management can also effectively control exposure to and reinfection with parasites. Pasture efficiency depends on many factors, including quantity and quality of forages, grazing, natural conditions and grazing types. Effective pasture management systems help to optimize not only animal productivity but also the containment of parasitism. This chapter highlights pasture management, its types and how different management strategies play a role in minimizing the magnitude of parasitism in field conditions. It also covers the suitability of various strategies in different geoclimatic zones and seasonal conditions, which will help the farming community to implement appropriate pasture management strategies according to their needs and climatic conditions.
... Copper has strong antimicrobial properties and is commonly used in the manufacture of hospital door handles, touch pads, telephone buttons, toilets and other surfaces where microbial growth must be controlled (Dollwet and Sorenson, 1985). In 2008, more than 300 copper surfaces were registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as antimicrobial materials (Anonymous, 2008). ...
... Copper has strong antimicrobial properties and is commonly used in the manufacture of hospital door handles, touch pads, telephone buttons, toilets and other surfaces where microbial growth must be controlled (Dollwet and Sorenson, 1985). In 2008, more than 300 copper surfaces were registered by the Environmental Protection Agency as antimicrobial materials (Anonymous, 2008). ...
... The antimicrobial property of copper has been known for a long time. The first record of it dates back to 1600 BCE in an ancient Egyptian medical text named the Smith Papyrus, in which copper were described as being used to sterilize wounds and drinking water [16]. Modern scientific literature is full of articles on antimicrobial property of copper. ...
... In this context, copper nanoparticles (nCu) offer an attractive alternative for antimicrobial denture design. Copper presents broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties have been known since ancient times [21]. Currently, advances in nanotechnology have garnered much interest to exploit the antimicrobial properties of copper. ...
Purpose: This study aimed to synthesize heat-cured poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) acrylic formulated with copper nanoparticles (nCu) for producing dentures with antimicrobial properties and ability to prevent denture stomatitis (DS).
Methods: nCu/PMMA nanocomposites were prepared through in situ formation of nCu into methyl methacrylate (MMA). The fabricated material was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, spectroscopy (energy-dispersive X-ray, attenuated total reflectance–Fourier-transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), X-ray diffraction analysis, and mechanical flexural tests (ISO 20795-1:2008). Antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans and oral bacteria was determined. MTS assay (ISO 10993-5:2009) and copper release experiments were conducted to assess cytotoxicity. In the clinical trial, participants wearing nCu/PMMA (n=25) and PMMA (n=25) dentures were compared; specifically, DS incidence and severity and Candida species proliferation were assessed for 12 months. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance with Tukey’s post hoc test (α=0.05).
Results: nCu/PMMA nanocomposite loaded with 0.045% nCu exhibited the maximum antimicrobial activity against C. albicans and other oral bacteria without producing cytotoxicity in the wearer. nCu/PMMA dentures retained their mechanical and aesthetic properties as well as inhibited the growth of Candida species on both denture surface and patient palate. DS incidence and severity were lower in the nCu/PMMA denture group than in the PMMA denture group.
Conclusions: PMMA acrylic produced with copper nanotechnology is antimicrobial, biocompatible, and aesthetic and can reduce DS incidence. Thus, this material may act as a novel preventive alternative for oral infections associated with denture use.
... First, copper compounds possess antibacterial activity (known since 2600 B.C.) and have been utilized to sterilize wounds and drinking water. 6 Second, copper compounds show a broad spectrum of antiviral activity against both envelopeand non-envelope-type viruses. 7 The inactivation mechanisms of copper compounds include the generation of reactive oxygen species by leached copper ions, surface catalysis or contact killing, and disulfide bond breakage of viral proteins; 3,7−10 the last two mechanisms are particularly important. ...
Antiviral coatings that inactivate a broad spectrum of viruses are important in combating the evolution and emergence of viruses. In this study, nano-columnar Cu thin films have been proposed, inspired by cicada wings (which exhibit mechano-bactericidal activity). Nano-columnar thin films of Cu and its oxides were fabricated by the sputtering method, and their antiviral activities were evaluated against envelope-type bacteriophage Φ6 and non-envelope-type bacteriophage Qβ. Among all of the fabricated films, Cu thin films showed the highest antiviral activity. The infectious activity of the bacteriophages was reduced by 5 orders of magnitude within 30 min by the Cu thin films, by 3 orders of magnitude by the Cu2O thin films, and by less than 1 order of magnitude by the CuO thin films. After exposure to ambient air for 1 month, the antiviral activity of the Cu2O thin film decreased by 1 order of magnitude; the Cu thin films consistently maintained a higher antiviral activity than the Cu2O thin films. Subsequently, the surface oxidation states of the thin films were analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy; Cu thin films exhibited slower oxidation to the CuO than Cu2O thin films. This oxidation resistance could be a characteristic property of nanostructured Cu fabricated by the sputtering method. Finally, the antiviral activity of the nano-columnar Cu thin films against infectious viruses in humans was demonstrated by the binding inhibition of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor within 10 min.
... The use of copper for medical purposes has been known since ancient times, especially in the sterilization of wounds and drinking water [1,2]. In more recent years, copper complexes have been explored as highly effective metallodrugs against viruses [3], inflammation [4] and various microbes [5]. ...
Herein, the synthesis, structural characterization and in vitro biological evaluation of a novel Cu(II) complex with the 2-(4-aminophenyl)benzothiazole pharmacophore conjugated with the (2-pyridinyl)methylamino chelating moiety is reported for the first time. A full characterization of the Cu(II) complex was conducted by X-ray crystallography, EPR, IR, elemental and MS analysis, and its binding to CT-DNA was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy, ethidium bromide competition studies, circular dichroism, viscometry and thermal denaturation. The data clearly indicate that the Cu(II) complex interacts with CT-DNA via intercalation, registering a difference compared to previously reported Pt(II) and Pd(II) analogues. To evaluate the anticancer activity of the complex, a series of in vitro experiments against breast, glioblastoma, prostate and lung cancer cell lines along with healthy fibroblasts were implemented. Cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, intracellular ROS production, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis revealed an increased anticancer activity towards breast cancer cells that is accompanied by an induction in intracellular ROS levels and a significant G2/M arrest followed by apoptosis.
... The coinage metals copper and silver have a history of medicinal use through antiquity. It is worth recalling that silver is presently widely used in wound dressings and medical devices because it exerts broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa [20,21], while copper is an esteemed antimicrobial agent and has long been used for its medical properties [22,23]. Nowadays, copper is widely studied in different forms and formulations for the antimicrobial treatment of surfaces [24,25] and on medical devices and implants [26,27]. ...
The antimicrobial activity of the novel coordination polymers obtained by co-crystallizing the amino acids arginine or histidine, as both enantiopure L and racemic DL forms, with the salts Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 has been investigated to explore the effect of chirality in the cases of enantiopure and racemic forms. The compounds [Cu·AA·(NO3)2]CPs and [Ag·AA·NO3]CPs (AA = L-Arg, DL-Arg, L-His, DL-His) were prepared by mechanochemical, slurry, and solution methods and characterized by X-ray single-crystal and powder diffraction in the cases of the copper coordination polymers, and by powder diffraction and by solid-state NMR spectroscopy in the cases of the silver compounds. The two pairs of coordination polymers, [Cu·L-Arg·(NO3)2·H2O]CP and [Cu·DL-Arg·(NO3)2·H2O]CP, and [Cu·L-Hys·(NO3)2·H2O]CP and [Cu·DL-His·(NO3)2·H2O]CP, have been shown to be isostructural in spite of the different chirality of the amino acid ligands. A similar structural analogy could be established for the silver complexes on the basis of SSNMR. The activity against the bacterial pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus was assessed by carrying out disk diffusion assays on lysogeny agar media showing that, while there is no significant effect arising from the use of enantiopure or chiral amino acids, the coordination polymers exert an appreciable antimicrobial activity comparable, when not superior, to that of the metal salts alone.
... Copper cooking utensils were employed throughout the Roman empire to stop the spread of disease [1]. In recent times, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified copper and its derivatives as antibacterial materials [2]. On the other hand, the presence of copper in the human body is essential for healthy development, cardiovascular and lung functionality, neovascularization, neuroendocrine function, and iron metabolism [3]. ...
Copper, the essential element required for the human body is well-known for its profound antibacterial properties, yet salts and oxides of copper metals in the copper mine tailings are reported to be a big burden in the modern era. Among other copper oxides, CuO, in particular, is known to have beneficial effects on humans, while its slight nanoengineering viz., surface functionalization of the nanometer-sized oxide is shown to make some paradigm shift using its inherent redox property. Here, we have synthesized nanometer-sized CuO nanoparticles and functionalized it with a citrate ligand for an enhanced redox property and better solubility in water. For structural analysis of the nanohybrid, standard analytical tools, such as electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and X-ray diffraction studies were conducted. Moreover, FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy studies were performed to confirm its functionalization. The antibacterial study results, against a model bacteria (S. hominis), show that CuO nanohybrids provide favorable outcomes on antibiotic-resistant organisms. The suitability of the nanohybrid for use in photodynamic therapy was also confirmed, as under light its activity increased substantially. The use of CuO nanoparticles as antibiotics was further supported by the use of computational biology, which reconfirmed the outcome of our experimental studies. We have also extracted CuO nanogranules (top-down technique) from copper mine tailings of two places, each with different geographical locations, and functionalized them with citrate ligands in order to characterize similar structural and functional properties obtained from synthesized CuO nanoparticles, using the bottom-up technique. We have observed that the extracted functionalized CuO from copper tailings offers similar properties compared to those of the synthesized CuO, which provides an avenue for the circular economy for the utilization of copper waste into nanomedicine, which is known to be best for mankind.
... Copper. Copper is another metal with historical antimicrobial use, with applications involving potential antimicrobial activity reported hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago 142 . More recently, copper-based paints are widely used to prevent fouling on the hulls of ships. ...
Bacteria, similar to most organisms, have a love–hate relationship with metals: a specific metal may be essential for survival yet toxic in certain forms and concentrations. Metal ions have a long history of antimicrobial activity and have received increasing attention in recent years owing to the rise of antimicrobial resistance. The search for antibacterial agents now encompasses metal ions, nanoparticles and metal complexes with antimicrobial activity (‘metalloantibiotics’). Although yet to be advanced to the clinic, metalloantibiotics are a vast and underexplored group of compounds that could lead to a much-needed new class of antibiotics. This Review summarizes recent developments in this growing field, focusing on advances in the development of metalloantibiotics, in particular, those for which the mechanism of action has been investigated. We also provide an overview of alternative uses of metal complexes to combat bacterial infections, including antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and radionuclide diagnosis of bacterial infections. Metals and their complexes with antimicrobial activity are a promising source of new antibiotics. Their 3D geometry and potential for multiple mechanisms of action are important assets; however, a substantial investment in research is needed to advance them to the clinic.
... The antibacterial activity can be generally improved through loading metal ions [26], blending bactericides [27], modifying surface with antibacterial properties such as copper, silver, etc. [28,29]. Copper (Cu) with the bactericidal capability which had effectively inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria, fungi, and algae has been known for decades [30]. Moreover, Cu as an essential element for living organisms does not develop bacterial resistance and its price is relatively low in the market which would prove to be very economical [31][32][33]; hence, it is more suitable for biomedical application as bactericides. ...
The aim of this paper is to increase a new biodegradable implant material’s biodegradability, biocompatibility, and osteoinductivity in the long-term degradation process, as well as its antibacterial properties, novel carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with or without Cu element were doped into calcium phosphate (CaP)–chitosan (CS) layers and then fabricated to obtain the magnesium (Mg) matrix composites. In this paper, we investigated the influences of the CNTs-CaP-CS/Mg composites on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human osteosarcoma cell (SaOS-2) and human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs). Furthermore, the Cu/CNTs-CaP-CS/Mg was prepared to improve the bioactivity and antibacterial activity of the composites. The results indicated that CNTs-CaP-CS/Mg composites were suitable for proliferation and differentiation of SaOS-2 cells. Stimulated by the CNTs-CaP-CS/Mg extracts, the ALP expression of hBMSCs increased in the first 16 days and the mineralization ability of hBMSCs was highly expressed throughout the whole process which might be through the Erk1/2 signaling pathway. After CNTs-loaded Cu element, the bioactivity of the coating was satisfactory. Moreover, this new implant exhibited excellent antibacterial properties for Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus albus (S. albus). Collectively, these data suggest that the CNTs-CaP-CS/Mg and Cu/CNTs-CaP-CS/Mg might be potentially applied as bone implants for future clinical use.
... The discovery of the microbial sterilizing effects of the surface of natural materials, such as metals and plant fibers, may be dated back to 2600 B.C.; an Egyptian medical text from that era describes the sterilization effects of copper surfaces on chest wounds and drinking water [104]. Since then, the use of these material surfaces (particularly copper and copper-related materials such as brass and bronze) for "contact killing"-based antimicrobial and decontamination purposes in hospital and public health settings has increased consistently [105,106]. ...
Surface contamination by microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria may simultaneously aggravate the biofouling of surfaces and infection of wounds and promote cross-species transmission and the rapid evolution of microbes in emerging diseases. In addition, natural surface structures with unique anti-biofouling properties may be used as guide templates for the development of functional antimicrobial surfaces. Further, these structure-related antimicrobial surfaces can be categorized into microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces. This review introduces the recent advances in the development of microbicidal and anti-biofouling surfaces inspired by natural structures and discusses the related antimicrobial mechanisms, surface topography design, material application, manufacturing techniques, and antimicrobial efficiencies.
... Copper-based products are proven to be extremely efficient in fighting pathogens responsible for serious infections in long hospitalization patients. Antimicrobial properties of copper seem to be known since ancient times: Egyptians used chirurgical blades made of copper to perform surgery on their patients and used copper as a container for fluids; Babylonians used copper filings in open wounds to sterilize them [7]. In 1852, a French physician named Victor Burq found that cholera, spreading through Paris, was not affecting workers of the copper smelting plans, even if the hygienic conditions were not different from the rest of the city [8]. ...
This contribution investigates research opportunities in the field of architecture and design management focusing on user health in high traffic spaces. The field of application is Airport Passenger Terminals. Looking at the COVID-19 pandemic and anticipating the possibility of events of the same magnitude, it is necessary to approach the problem of the safety in public spaces. Based on the State of the Art about antimicrobial material studies, Science of Architecture could propose innovative solutions that are compliant with health safety and prevention for high-use surfaces. These solutions will combine antimicrobial materials with a digital solution that could manage data about surfaces, allowing the maintenance team to valuate and optimize operations. After few hours the hygiene level of copper-based surfaces is higher than any other material. Copper-based furniture could be paired with sensors that send data to management software. Combining the use of scientifically demonstrated antibacterial surfaces with high-performance management tools could be the best option to achieve health safety and contribute to social sustainability. Airport terminals are the ideal high-traffic buildings to use as test model because they have all the characteristics that could be analysed concerning the safety and the perception of safety of architectural spaces by users.
... Hereupon, it is crucial to find and develop compounds compatible with the biological structure of the body with antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity against cancer cells 19,20 . To date, copper-based materials have been extensively used as sterilizers, disinfectants, antibacterial agents, as well as decolorizing photocatalysts [21][22][23][24] . Researchers have subscribed that the antibacterial mechanism of Cu depends on the particles' form and size 25 . ...
This study focuses on synthesizing novel nanocomposites, zinc(II)tetrakis(4-phenyl)porphyrin/Cu nanoparticles (ZnTPP/Cu-NPs),with antibacterial activity, fabricated through a single-step green procedure. In this regard, the self-assembly of ZnTPP was carried out through an acid–base neutralization method to prepare ZnTPP nanoparticles. Then, the copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) were grown on ZnTPP nanoparticles through a visible-light irradiated photochemical procedure in the absence and presence of polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a modulator. The effect of PAA on the morphological properties of the prepared nanocomposites was evaluated. Eventually, the antibacterial activity of nanocomposites with different morphologies was investigated. In this way, the average zone of inhibition growth of diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration values was determined. Besides, the cytotoxicity of the nanocomposites was evaluated by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay MCF-7and (HEK-293) cell lines. The specific features of the synthesized nanocomposites identified them as antibacterial compounds which have therapeutic effects on breast cancer.
... Quantum dots are very tiny particles which are having strong fluorescence properties without any photobleaching [ 26 ]. Copper metals have a very important use in different fields over centuries like disinfectants of drinking water, solids and human tissues [ 27 ]. It has been shown caspase-3 and-7 are the key mediators for apoptotic cell death [ 28 ]. ...
Quantum dots (QDs) are a popular agent to use in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications because the molecules consist of an excellent biophysical and optical property, later varies with the compositions from a wide range of visible to infrared wavelength. Being an established fluorescent probe QDs are useful in the long-term, multiplexed and quantitative imaging and detection is governed wonderfully by QDs. Here we represent the present trends of the multidimensional use or applications of QDs in the field of biological science to achieve disease diagnostics, control over it and in particular cancer treatments and cellular mechanisms induced by QDs. The QDs are small in size with a high surface ratio, capable of potentially changing the therapeutic and pharmacological efficacy towards a good dimension of disease management. These are unique anti-cancer activities like apoptotic cell death and autophagy cell death, different types of molecular path-ways and mechanism of apoptosis has been focused hereafter application of quantum dots in various cell lines of malignant cells of mice and humans.KeywordsQuantum dotsApoptosisCancer therapy
... [8] When compared with noncopper exposure, a study found that pediatric patients exposed to copper-surfaced objects in the controlled environment of the intensive care unit had lower healthcare-associated infection (HAI) rates. [9,10] In this sense, it is vital to pay consideration to the various fabrics used in healthcare settings, worn by personnel, such as coats and uniforms, as well as those worn by patients, such as bed and bath linens and gowns, which play a chief role in microbial contamination and dissemination. ...
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) have a major impact on public health worldwide. Till now, we are relying on hand washing and environmental disinfection, but the compliance rate of hand washing and adequate supply of materials is always a catch. Alongside patients, surfaces and supplies act as reservoirs of microorganisms in healthcare settings. The reduction in organisms may prove to be an effective strategy to decline HAIs. The use of gold and silver in commercial textiles is prohibited because of the high cost rather than having excellent antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, so copper has become the best choice for researchers as it possesses similar properties to gold and silver and has other characteristics such as its durability, corrosion resistance, prestigious appearance, and ability to form complex shapes. It has been found that copper brings down the microbial burden of high-touch surfaces in healthcare settings. The fundamental properties of copper offer a theoretical advantage to regular cleaning, as the effect is continuous rather than episodic. So the use of copper-impregnated textiles in hospital areas whether in form of bed linen or uniforms for health professionals, as well as patients, can be a viable alternative to decline the levels of infection in healthcare settings, and with the discovery of copper-encapsulated hospital beds and fabrics, dividends will likely be paid in improved patient outcomes, lives saved, and healthcare cost saved. The application of copper in fabrics for healthcare professionals will be a sound initiative to prevent HAIs. The fabric may help decline the infection rate and mortality among hospitalized patients.
... Copper, similar to silver, is a coinage metal and was used since ancient times to preserve water and treat infectious diseases. 40 Zinc ions were shown to interfere with P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and inhibit planktonic growth of the bacterium. 41 Gallium is attracting attention as an antimicrobial agent, 42 with forms of gallium-containing drugs currently being discussed with regard to P. aeruginosa treatment, such as gallium complexes with organic molecules, such as acetate 43 or desferrioxamin. ...
Here, we exploit our mechanochemical synthesis for co-crystallization of an organic antiseptic, proflavine, with metal-based antimicrobials (silver, copper, zinc, and gallium). Our previous studies have looked for general antimicrobial activity for the co-crystals: proflavine·AgNO3, proflavine·CuCl, ZnCl3[Proflavinium], [Proflavinium]2[ZnCl4]·H2O, and [Proflavinium]3[Ga(oxalate)3]·4H2O. Here, we explore and compare more precisely the bacteriostatic (minimal inhibitory concentrations) and antibiofilm (prevention of cell attachment and propagation) activities of the co-crystals. For this, we choose three prominent "ESKAPE" bacterial pathogens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial behavior of the co-crystals was compared to that of the separate components of the polycrystalline samples to ascertain whether the proflavine-metal complex association in the solid state provided effective antimicrobial performance. We were particularly interested to see if the co-crystals were effective in preventing bacteria from initiating and propagating the biofilm mode of growth, as this growth form provides high antimicrobial resistance properties. We found that for the planktonic lifestyle of growth of the three bacterial strains, different co-crystal formulations gave selectivity for best performance. For the biofilm state of growth, we see that the silver proflavine co-crystal has the best overall antibiofilm activity against all three organisms. However, other proflavine-metal co-crystals also show practical antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus. While not all proflavine-metal co-crystals demonstrated enhanced antimicrobial efficacy over their constituents alone, all possessed acceptable antimicrobial properties while trapped in the co-crystal form. We also demonstrate that the metal-proflavine crystals retain antimicrobial activity in storage. This work defines that co-crystallization of metal compounds and organic antimicrobials has a potential role in the quest for antimicrobials/antiseptics in the defense against bacteria in our antimicrobial resistance era.
... Copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles, among other inorganic metal oxide nanomaterials, have been used excessively as a safe, simple, and effective antimicrobial agent since 19th Century [21], and these were approved by US Environmental Protection Agency for human use due to its less toxic, eco-friendly nature [23,55]. Cost-effective green synthesis of different shaped Cu/ CuO nanomaterials has been recommended as an effective agent against pathogens in biomedicines to reduce environmental complications [4,16,37,38,40,47,51]. ...
Clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria are appeared to be hard or impossible to treat using conventional antibiotics. In this context, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) with latent and flexible character showed remarkable antimicrobial activity against pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimum inhibitory concentration (<1 mcg/ml) and minimum bactericidal concentration (3 mcg/ml) for synthesized CuO NPs were predicted, comparable to the available antipseudomonal antibiotics. Green synthesis of CuO NPs was executed using capsular polymeric substance (CPS) extracted from a marine Bacillus altitudinis SORB11.
The compound CPS containing mannose, glucose and galactose was compact and agglomerated with a molecular weight of 1.247 × 10³ Da. Crude CPS was effectively used as a coating and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs). The synthesized uniform, spherical CuO NPs showed a face-centered cubic cuprous oxide with a cuprite structure that appeared in crystalline planes. This present study was demonstrated successfully synthesized CuO NPs using an eco-friendly synthesis technique and ultimately, showed a significant level of antibacterial activity against pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
... 4 Metallic copper in the form of vessels and kitchenware has long been known empirically as a potent antimicrobial agent. 5,6 Recently, numerous groups have reported that solid copper surfaces are able to trigger norovirus inactivation likely via production of reactive oxygen species, with viral load reduced by up to 4 logs when measured by RT-qPCR and up to 5 logs when measured by a plaque assay of the human norovirus surrogate murine norovirus (MNV) 7,8 and similar inactivation via a plaque assay with another norovirus surrogate, Tulane virus. 9 The ability of copper-containing alloys to inactivate noroviruses has been found to depend on the alloy composition, with the copper fraction directly correlated to the degree and rate of virus inactivation. ...
The antinoroviral effect of copper ions is well known, yet most of this work has previously been conducted in copper and copper alloy surfaces, not copper ions in solution. In this work, we characterized the effects that Cu ions have on human norovirus capsids' and surrogates' integrity to explain empirical data, indicating virus inactivation by copper alloy surfaces, and as means of developing novel metal ion-based virucides. Comparatively high concentrations of Cu(II) ions (>10 mM) had little effect on the infectivity of human norovirus surrogates, so we used sodium ascorbate as a reducing agent to generate unstable Cu(I) ions from solutions of copper bromide. We found that significantly lower concentrations of monovalent copper ions (∼0.1 mM) compared to divalent copper ions cause capsid protein damage that prevents human norovirus capsids from binding to cell receptors in vitro and induce a greater than 4-log reduction in infectivity of Tulane virus, a human norovirus surrogate. Further, these Cu(I) solutions caused reduction of GII.4 norovirus from stool in suspension, producing about a 2-log reduction of virus as measured by a reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) data indicate substantial major capsid protein cleavage of both GI.7 and GII.4 norovirus capsids, and TEM images show the complete loss of capsid integrity of GI.7 norovirus. GII.4 virus-like particles (VLPs) were less susceptible to inactivation by copper ion treatments than GI.7 VLPs based upon receptor binding and SDS-PAGE analysis of viral capsids. The combined data demonstrate that stabilized Cu(I) ion solutions show promise as highly effective noroviral disinfectants in solution that can potentially be utilized at low concentrations for inactivation of human noroviruses.
... The importance of copper has been understood since its antibacterial properties were discovered in the 5th and 6th millennium BC [2,3]. The scientific findings that confirm the effectiveness of copper on the integrity of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, and fungi are very well documented [4][5][6][7][8]. ...
Background:
Scientific evidence is scarce for the antimicrobial effect of copper on bacteria characterized as more resistant. Using Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), a highly resistant microorganism, as a pathogen model, copper ion treatment has shown a significant bactericidal effect; however, the sustainability of MAP against copper toxicity was also reported in several studies. Accordingly, the present study aimed to evaluate the impacts of copper on MAP.
Methodology:
This study considered physicochemical properties and copper concentration in a buffer since it could modulate MAP response during the application of copper treatment.
Results:
Despite the efficacy of copper ions in significantly reducing the MAP load in Phosphate Buffered Saline, some MAP cells were able to survive. The copper concentration generated by the copper ion treatment device increased significantly with increasing exposure times. MAP bacterial load decreased significantly when treated with copper ions as the exposure times increased. An increase in pH decreased oxygen consumption, and an increase in conductivity was reported after treatment application.
Conclusions:
Even with higher concentrations of copper, the efficacy of MAP control was not complete. The concentration of copper must be a key element in achieving control of highly resistant microorganisms.
... Copper has historically been known to have antimicrobial activity. Even in ancient Egypt, copper was used to preserve water and food, and also for medical purposes [30][31][32][33]. Today, copper is used in many medical approaches; in birth control, for example, as a copper IUD or copper chain [34]. ...
The COVID-19 Pandemic leads to an increased worldwide demand for personal protection equipment in the medical field, such as face masks. New approaches to satisfy this demand have been developed, and one example is the use of 3D printing face masks. The reusable 3D printed mask may also have a positive effect on the environment due to decreased littering. However, the microbial load on the 3D printed objects is often disregarded. Here we analyze the biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli on suspected antimicrobial Plactive™ PLA 3D printing filaments and non-antimicrobial Giantarm™ PLA. To characterize the biofilm-forming potential scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Confocal scanning electron microscopy (CLSM) and colony-forming unit assays (CFU) were performed. Attached cells could be observed on all tested 3D printing materials. Gram-negative strains P. aeruginosa and E. coli reveal a strong uniform growth independent of the tested 3D filament (for P. aeruginosa even with stressed induced growth reaction by Plactive™). Only Gram-positive S. aureus shows strong growth reduction on Plactive™. These results suggest that the postulated antimicrobial Plactive™ PLA does not affect Gram-negative bacteria species. These results indicate that reusable masks, while better for our environment, may pose another health risk.
... The use of copper and its alloys in "contact" killing of microorganisms dates back to both the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations and only lost its prominence in medicine at the advent of commercially available antibiotics in 1932 [28]. However, the contact killing of microbes by copper is still being applied in Agriculture to control bacterial and fungal diseases [27]. ...
Epibiotic bacteria associated with the filamentous marine cyanobacterium Moorea producens were explored as a novel source of antibiotics and to establish whether they can produce cyclodepsipeptides on their own. Here, we report the isolation of micrococcin P1 (1) (C48H49N13O9S6; obs. m/z 1144.21930/572.60381) and micrococcin P2 (2) (C48H47N13O9S6; obs. m/z 1142.20446/571.60370) from a strain of Bacillus marisflavi isolated from M. producens’ filaments. Interestingly, most bacteria isolated from M. producens’ filaments were found to be human pathogens. Stalked diatoms on the filaments suggested a possible terrestrial origin of some epibionts. CuSO4.5H2O assisted differential genomic DNA isolation and phylogenetic analysis showed that a Kenyan strain of M. producens differed from L. majuscula strain CCAP 1446/4 and L. majuscula clones. Organic extracts of the epibiotic bacteria Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora and Ochrobactrum anthropi did not produce cyclodepsipeptides. Further characterization of 24 Firmicutes strains from M. producens identified extracts of B. marisflavi as most active. Our results showed that the genetic basis for synthesizing micrococcin P1 (1), discovered in Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579, is species/strain-dependent and this reinforces the need for molecular identification of M. producens species worldwide and their epibionts. These findings indicate that M. producens-associated bacteria are an overlooked source of antimicrobial compounds.
... Copper had been widely used in the 19th and early 20th centuries for the treatment of medical conditions ranging from chronic adenitis, eczema, impetigo, scrofulosis, tubercular infections, lupus, syphilis, anemia, chorea, to facial neuralgia [1]. In fact, copper was the antimicrobial agent of choice prior to the widespread availability of antibiotics in the 1930s. ...
A facile one-step method of roughened copper foils of 0.0076 mm thickness heated on the open flame for 15 seconds produced superhydrophilic surfaces that exhibited superwetting at average radial growths of 10.8 mm/s following drop dispensation. Superhydrophilicity was found to deteriorate over time and XRD analysis ruled out compositional change as the cause of this behaviour. Instead, SEM imaging revealed wrinkled 20–30 nm-thick nanoflakes that were predominantly stretched out initially to engender superwetting properties via Wenzel wetting. These extended microstructures folded up with time due to relaxation of the residual stresses from the thermal oxidation process, resulting in temporal reduction in superhydrophilicity, which can be restored by reapplying thermal oxidation. The impingement of air with 80 psi pressure on the substrate also caused similar deterioration. The superwetting characteristic also endowed these substrates with anti-bacterial properties where a 56% reduction in bacteria count with Staphylococcus epidermidis was found.
... However, unlike other biomolecules, metals cannot be synthesized in the cell and, hence, must be obtained from the environment. Once acquired, metals must be routed to the correct intracellular destination to prevent deleterious side-reactions or non-specific chelation by other cellular components [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Consequently, most organisms contain metalloregulator proteins that help maintain metal homeostasis. ...
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy has emerged as an ideal biophysical tool to study complex biological processes. EPR spectroscopy can follow minor conformational changes in various proteins as a function of ligand or protein binding or interactions with high resolution and sensitivity. Resolving cellular mechanisms, involving small ligand binding or metal ion transfer, is not trivial and cannot be studied using conventional biophysical tools. In recent years, our group has been using EPR spectroscopy to study the mechanism underlying copper ion transfer in eukaryotic and prokaryotic systems. This mini-review focuses on our achievements following copper metal coordination in the diamagnetic oxidation state, Cu(I), between biomolecules. We discuss the conformational changes induced in proteins upon Cu(I) binding, as well as the conformational changes induced in two proteins involved in Cu(I) transfer. We also consider how EPR spectroscopy, together with other biophysical and computational tools, can identify the Cu(I)-binding sites. This work describes the advantages of EPR spectroscopy for studying biological processes that involve small ligand binding and transfer between intracellular proteins.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has a significant impact on human, animal, and environmental health, being spread in diverse settings. Antibiotic misuse and overuse in the food chain are widely recognized as primary drivers of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, other antimicrobials, such as metals and organic acids, commonly present in agri-food environments (e.g., in feed, biocides, or as long-term pollutants), may also contribute to this global public health problem, although this remains a debatable topic owing to limited data. This review aims to provide insights into the current role of metals (i.e., copper, arsenic, and mercury) and organic acids in the emergence and spread of AMR in the food chain. Based on a thorough literature review, this study adopts a unique integrative approach, analyzing in detail the known antimicrobial mechanisms of metals and organic acids, as well as the molecular adaptive tolerance strategies developed by diverse bacteria to overcome their action. Additionally, the interplay between the tolerance to metals or organic acids and AMR is explored, with particular focus on co-selection events. Through a comprehensive analysis, this review highlights potential silent drivers of AMR within the food chain and the need for further research at molecular and epidemiological levels across different food contexts worldwide.
El Libro de texto digital interactivo de biomateriales: Tomo I es una herramienta innovadora para el aprendizaje a distancia y presencial, pues se elaboró considerando distintos propósitos educativos:
• Aportar a licenciaturas afines al contenido de este libro una mayor apertura, flexibilidad, motivación, iniciativa, privacidad y aprendizaje activo.
• Potenciar el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje de forma crítica, creativa y flexible.
• Facilitar la educación de la figura activa del maestro y el alumno, entendiendo los objetivos, contenidos y competencias de la asignatura de Biomateriales, con las características del contexto actual.
Además, el libro se complementa con contenido multimedia adicional, el cual podrás consultar en la siguiente URL: https://biomat.enesjuriquilla.unam.mx/
Verdigris is a collective term for synthetic copper based green and blue pigments that have been used by mankind since the antiquity. As the term is only loosely defined it covers a great variety of chemical compounds. All of them contain copper but also acetate, formate, hydroxide, water and sometimes also chloride, carbonate and sulphate. This article focusses on the verdigris phases related to the ternary system Cu(CH 3 COO) 2 –Cu(OH) 2 –H 2 O, which are commonly denoted according to their chemical composition as x – y – z phases. Besides neutral verdigris (1–0–0 and 1–0–1 phase), several basic verdigris phases (2–1–5, 1–1–5, 1–2–0, 1–3–0, 1–3–2, 1–4–3, 7–1–4) have been reported. These compounds can be obtained either by intentional corrosion of copper metal by direct contact with acetic acid and its vapours, which represents the historic pigment manufacturing or by incomplete precipitation from copper(II) acetate solutions. Due to their slow crystallisation behaviour the synthesis of verdigris pigments usually leads to multiphase and polycrystalline samples, which impedes the phase characterisation, in particular of the basic verdigris samples. Hence, most crystal structures that have been published were solved ab-initio from X-ray powder diffraction data by applying global optimisation methods like simulated annealing or charge flipping . Up to now the crystal structures of the 1–0–0, 1–0–1, 1–3–2, 1–2–0 and 2–1–5 phases were determined, the spectral and physical properties of these compounds completely characterise and therefore their existence and their chemical composition unambiguously proven. Investigations on historic verdigris samples and systematic synthesis approaches, however, show that there are at least four additional, hitherto unknown pigment phases. Information on the thermodynamical stability and the solubility of the verdigris phases are also lacking.
Filter masks are disposable devices intended to be worn in order to reduce exposure to potentially harmful foreign agents of 0.1–10.0 microns. However, to perform their function correctly, these devices should be replaced after a few hours of use. Because of this, billions of non-biodegradable face masks are globally discarded every month (3 million/minute). The frequent renewal of masks, together with the strong environmental impact of non-biodegradable plastic-based mask materials, highlights the need to find a solution to this emerging ecological problem. One way to reduce the environmental impact of masks, decrease their turnover, and, at the same time, increase their safety level is to make them able to inhibit pathogen proliferation and vitality by adding antibacterial materials such as silver, copper, zinc, and graphene. Among these, silver and copper are the most widely used. In this study, with the aim of improving commercial devices’ efficacy and eco-sustainability, Ag-based and Cu-based antibacterial treatments were performed and characterized from morphological, compositional, chemical–physical, and microbiological points of view over time and compared with the antibacterial treatments of selected commercial products. The results demonstrated the good distribution of silver and copper particles onto the surface of the masks, along with almost 100% antibacterial capabilities of the coatings against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, which were still confirmed even after several washing cycles, thus indicating the good potential of the developed prototypes for mask application.
Controlling bioaerosols has become increasingly critical in affecting human health. Natural product treatment in the nano form is a potential method since it has lower toxicity than inorganic nanomaterials like silver nanoparticles. This research is important for the creation of a bioaerosol control system that is effective. Nanoparticles (NPs) are gradually being employed to use bacteria as a nonantibiotic substitute for treating bacterial infections. The present study looks at nanoparticles' antimicrobial properties, their method of action, their impact on drug-opposing bacteria, and the hazards connected with their operation as antimicrobial agents. The aspects that influence nanoparticle conduct in clinical settings, as well as their distinctive features and mode of action as antibacterial assistants, are thoroughly examined. Nanoparticles' action on bacterial cells is presently accepted by way of the introduction of oxidative stress induction, metal-ion release, and nonoxidative methods. Because many concurrent mechanisms of action against germs would necessitate multiple simultaneous gene modifications in the same bacterial cell for antibacterial protection to evolve, bacterial cells developing resistance to NPs is difficult. This review discusses the antimicrobial function of NPs against microbes and presents a comprehensive discussion of the bioaerosols: their origin, hazards, and their prevention. This state of the art method is dependent upon the use of personal protective gear against these bioaerosols. The benefit of the utmost significant categories of metal nanoparticles as antibacterial agents is given important consideration. The novelty of this review depends upon the antimicrobial properties of (a) silver (Ag), (b) zinc oxide (ZnO), and (c) copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles. The value-added features of these nanoparticles are discussed, as well as their physicochemical characterization and pharmacokinetics, including the toxicological danger they pose to people. Lastly, the effective role of nanomaterials and their future in human wellness is discussed.
A prominent feature of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is the presence of a large glycoprotein spike protruding from the virus envelope. The spike determines the interaction of the virus with the environment and the host. Here, we used an all-atom molecular dynamics simulation method to investigate the interaction of up- and down-conformations of the S1 subunit of the SARS-CoV-2 spike with the (100) surface of Au, Ag, and Cu. Our results revealed that the spike protein is adsorbed onto the surface of these metals, with Cu being the metal with the highest interaction with the spike. In our simulations, we considered the spike protein in both its up-conformation Sup (one receptor binding domain exposed) and down-conformation Sdown (no exposed receptor binding domain). We found that the affinity of the metals for the up-conformation was higher than their affinity for the down-conformation. The structural changes in the spike in the up-conformation were also larger than the changes in the down-conformation. Comparing the present results for metals with those obtained in our previous MD simulations of Sup with other materials (cellulose, graphite, and human skin models), we see that Au induces the highest structural change in Sup, larger than those obtained in our previous studies.
Filter membrane technology has been extensively used for water purification. However, due to their high brittleness and biological fouling, filter membranes will gradually deteriorate. Here we develop a robust Cu/TiO2 ceramic filter membrane for water treatment, which has excellent inherent antibacterial activities both in the dark and under visible light irradiation. One-dimensional nanobelt TiO2 can be sintered into a nanoporous membrane structure by overlapping and interweaving with each other, thereby achieving high flux simultaneously and solving the problem of high brittleness of inorganic ceramics. Meanwhile, such one-dimensional TiO2 nanostructures can provide more deposition sites for Cu nanoparticles with inherent antibacterial activity in the dark. To realise the surface plasmon resonance-enhanced antibacterial activity under visible light, Cu/TiO2 heterostructures are used.
Fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals (also known as quantum dots or QDs) have become monumental over the past two decades in the material science as well as biomedical field due to their tunable optical properties. Moreover, the exclusive nature of QDs has always kept it one step ahead of conventional organic fluorophores, particularly in cell imaging. QDs exhibit extremely bright multicolor fluorescence behaviour, high photo-stability, larger extinction co-efficient and lesser photo bleaching tendencies inside the cellular environment which make them as advanced labelling agents. Here we have depicted the supreme characteristics features of different types of QDs and their applications in the in vitro and in vivo cell imaging. Recently, QDs are safely used in the advanced clinical research as promising diagnostic tool that will surely open up a new direction.KeywordsQuantum dotsBioimagingFluorescenceIn vitro and in vivo cell imaging
Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are one of the technological wonders, known for their excellent photo-physical properties. The recent advances in nanotechnology have made QDs a robust and readily available fluorescent probe for both in vitro and in vivo bio-imaging research. QDs offer great advantages over traditional organic fluorescent dyes and present a number of beneficial characteristics such as size-tunable emission spectra, signal brightness, long life time, photostability, longer multiphoton cross sectioning capabilities and so on. Since its inception, it is being used as excellent fluorescent probe for a wide range of fluorescence microscopy technologies ranging from conventional epifluorescence, confocal, multiphoton to super-resolution microscopy for in vitro cell and tissue imaging to in vivo deep tissue and whole animal imaging. Hence, QDs have opened up plethora of exciting possibilities in bio-imaging research by enabling the researchers to probe and visualize the invisible biological processes from the whole organism level (macroscale) down to the cellular and in molecular level (nanoscale). Despite its enormous potential in bio-imaging, the involvement of heavy metals and the colloidal instability of QDs have led to legitimate concerns about toxicity. These issues have impeded the widespread adoption of QDs, especially in biomedical and in vivo bio-imaging. This chapter mainly focuses on the QD-based fluorescence bio-imaging applications from biological point of view and discuss relevant toxicity issues associated with using QDs in in vivo investigations.KeywordsQuantum dotsBio-imagingFluorescenceIn vivo toxicity
One of the ubiquitous causes of deaths are the Cardio Vascular Diseases or CVDs. The implementation of nanotechnology in the treatment of CVDs has evinced better bio-compatibility and enhanced cell interactions. This provides a strong potential for their mathematical modeling with the diseased blood vessels. In our current study we have reported various mathematical models used for the treatment of CVDs employing nanotechnology. Mathematical modeling provides a tool to comprehend the type, shape and size of the nanoparticles that can be employed as possible drug delivery systems. Mathematical models help to predict how nano-drugs have many improvements like expanded drug loading capacity and programmable pharmo-kinetic properties over the conventional drugs. The amalgamation of mathematical models with clinical data provides for designing these optimal therapies. This review encapsulates the current state of mathematical modeling approaches to treat CVDs using nanoparticle targeted drug delivery.
Les bactéries pathogènes responsables des infections associées aux soins posent des problèmes permanents et croissants dans les établissements de santé. En France, les bactéries Escherichia coli et Staphylococcus aureus sont responsables de plus de 40% de ces infections. Face à l'adaptation permanente de ces bactéries aux nouveaux antibiotiques mis sur le marché, des solutions complémentaires doivent être trouvées. Une des solutions proposée dans ce travail de thèse vise à exacerber les performances de composés bactéricides connus (effet de synergie) ou à procurer des propriétés bactéricides à des composés inactifs en substituant partiellement des ions magnésium par les ions cuivriques ou vice versa. De nouvelles solutions solides ont ainsi été découvertes. Des réactions dans l'état solide, la co-précipitation, la voie hydrothermale ou la mécanosynthèse ont été employées pour synthétiser des particules de taille micro- ou nanométrique des composés désirés. Une fois obtenues, la Diffraction des Rayons X, les Microscopies Electroniques, l'adsorption de diazote, les spectroscopies IR/UV-visible, l'Analyse ThermoGravimétrique couplée à la Spectrométrie de Masse et la Spectrométrie d'Emission Atomique ont été utilisées afin de déterminer la nature, la composition et la taille de ces particules ainsi que leur stabilité dans l'eau ou sous une atmosphère riche en CO2. L'évaluation des propriétés bactéricides dans l'eau et à 20°C révèle que la substitution partielle du magnésium par le cuivre accroît l'activité des composés à la fois en termes d'amplitude et de cinétique. Ces performances accrues ne sont pas nécessairement liées à la teneur en cuivre dans le composé actif.
Copper is essential for all life forms; however, in excess, it becomes toxic. Toxic properties of copper are known to be utilized by host species against various pathogenic invasions. Leishmania, in both free-living and intracellular forms, exhibits appreciable tolerance towards copper-stress. While determining the mechanism of copper-stress evasion employed by Leishmania, we identified and characterized a hitherto unknown Copper-ATPase in Leishmania major and established its role in parasite survival in host macrophages. This novel L. major Cu-ATPase, LmATP7, exhibits homology with its orthologues at multiple motifs. In promastigotes, LmATP7 primarily localized at the plasma membrane. We also show LmATP7 exhibits copper-dependent expression patterns and complements copper transport in a Cu-ATPase-deficient yeast strain. Promastigotes overexpressing LmATP7 exhibited higher survival upon copper stress, indicating efficacious copper export compared to wild type and heterozygous LmATP7 knock-out parasites. We further explored macrophage-Leishmania interactions with respect to copper stress. We found that Leishmania infection triggers upregulation of major mammalian copper exporter, ATP7A, in macrophages, and trafficking of ATP7A from the trans-Golgi network to endolysosomes in macrophages harboring amastigotes. Simultaneously, in Leishmania, we observed a multi-fold increase in LmATP7 transcripts as the promastigote becomes established in macrophages and morphs to the amastigote form. Finally, overexpressing LmATP7 in parasites increases amastigote survivability within macrophages, whereas knocking it down reduces survivability drastically. Mice injected in their foot-pads with an LmATP7-overexpressing strain showed significantly larger lesions and higher amastigote loads as compared to controls and knockouts. These data establish the role of LmATP7 in parasite infectivity and intra-macrophagic survivability.
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