Development and evaluation of germicidal materials and infrastructure

Abstract

The development of germicidal infrastructure and antimicrobial materials can play a significant role in containing pathogenic microorganisms in public health, food safety, public transportation, and across all sectors. This study aimed to test the antimicrobial properties of candidate metals such as copper and three of its alloys in solid and powder (scraping) form using pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli, simulating environmental conditions in which these microorganisms could survive. The results surprisingly showed significant bactericidal and bacteriostatic power in all the tested alloys except stainless steel, presenting a promising scenario for the development of innovations, materials, products, and infrastructure with antimicrobial and germicidal properties for all sectors.