Bringing Copper to Life
As leaders in the science of incorporating copper-based additives into polymeric materials, from time to time our Science Team will post content relative to the market shift away from problematic legacy antimicrobials to more sustainable, efficacious and cost-advantaged copper additives.
Copper oxide impregnated medical textiles in the fight against nosocomial infections
The antimicrobial properties of copper have been recognized for centuries1. Peer-reviewed studies first documented copper’s antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties in 1930, 1958, and 1970, respectively2. The effectiveness of copper surfaces in reducing nosocomial infections was initially published in 19833. In 2008 and 2012, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) acknowledged copper alloys and copper oxide-impregnated surfaces, respectively, as effective antimicrobial agents capable of killing over 99.9% of bacteria within two hours. These surfaces maintain their antimicrobial efficacy even after repeated bacterial recolonization and between routine cleaning activities4.
Read MoreCupron Copper Additive Reduces Root Intrusion in Irrigation Driplines By Up To 76%
Root intrusion of SDI piping and emitter heads can have significant consequences. Root intrusion can result in clogged emitters, low pressure, leaks, altered water distribution, reduced product lifespan, and lower crop yields.
Read MoreAnalysis of the impact on HAI rates after deploying Cupron copper gowns and linens at 11 hospitals
Patient gowns and bed linens made with antimicrobial Cupron copper yarns were installed on inpatient beds across 11 hospitals at Sentara Health beginning in 2015. The effect of the gradual deployment of the copper gowns and bed linens on the rate of hospital acquired infections (HAI) was analyzed…
Read MoreThe Impact of Cupron Antimicrobial Copper Fibers On Skin
Copper, which can be absorbed through intact skin, is involved in the synthesis and stabilization of extracellular matrix skin proteins and angiogenesis. This summary of four clinical studies shows that copper, when in intimate contact with the skin, caused a significant reduction in the appearance of wrinkles, the depth of wrinkles, and overall improvement of skin appearance.
Read MoreUsing Copper to Prevent and Treat Infections
Copper has a long history of use for disinfection and treating infections, dating back to ancient civilizations. As early as 2600 B.C., ancient Egyptians used copper for sterilizing wounds and drinking water. In Egyptian hieroglyphics, copper was denoted by the ankh symbol, representing endless life. One of the oldest known medical records, the Smith Papyrus, attributed to an Egyptian physician around 1700 B.C. but based on information dating back to 3200 B.C., documents the use of copper as an anti-infection agent.
Read MoreSilver and copper antimicrobial efficacy under different environmental conditions
Both copper and silver antimicrobial efficacy can be affected by temperature and humidity. In general, higher temperatures can accelerate ion release from both copper and silver surfaces, thus enhancing their antimicrobial activity. Humidity can also play a role, as moisture on the surface can facilitate ion release and enhance antimicrobial efficacy.
But what happens at room environmental conditions?
Read MoreOverview of Copper Dressings vs. Silver Dressings
Copper, in addition to being a potent biocide (1), is one of the 11 essential trace minerals needed by human body as it is involved in many physiological processes in all human tissues (2). Copper is indispensable for many wound healing-related processes (3;4). It stimulates…
Read MoreCopper Wound Dressings Made from Cupron Fibers Yield Mean Reduction of Wound Area 2.4X that of Silver Wound Dressings
Dr. Oxana Gorel and her colleagues in wound management at the Loewenstein Rehabilitation Center in Ra’anana, Israel embarked on a study to investigate the efficacy of copper dressings in non-infected wounds that were unresponsive to conventional silver-based treatments. Despite the widespread use of silver dressings as the standard of care in their facility, they encountered numerous cases where wounds showed little to no improvement or progressed at a sluggish pace.
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