One of the main applications of copper is in hospitals, although the use is not widespread. When you block the function of the pathway, you block the function of the organism, and then the organism is just dead in the water,' says Johnson. 'By blocking the function of the protein, you block the function of the pathway.

When you block a protein's function, it starts a bacteria-killing chain reaction. 'Copper can just replace some of the other metals that are present in some of these other proteins and by doing so, it blocks the function of those proteins.' Johnson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Immunobiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson. 'Mis-metalation is the ability of a metal to basically replace another metal,' says Michael D. The exact mechanism of how copper interferes with proteins in bacterial cells is not fully understood yet, but the current hypothesis is mis-metalation, thanks to the fact that copper is a stable metal. 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.

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