Copper’s Antibacterial Properties and Health Benefits

Copper’s potential as an antibacterial agent has been growing in prominence. With increasing concerns about infections and antibiotic resistance, copper is emerging as a powerful solution in the fight against harmful bacteria. This article explores how copper's antibacterial properties work, reviews key scientific studies that back up its effectiveness, and highlights where copper is being used to support health and skin rejuvenation.

How Copper Kills Bacteria: The Science Behind Copper’s Antibacterial Properties

Copper works as an antimicrobial agent through a process called "contact killing," which involves direct interaction between copper alloys or copper ions with bacterial cells (1). The most recent scientific studies are still collecting evidence about the exact mechanisms and steps involved, but broadly, copper’s contact killing process of bacteria is understood as these key steps:

1. Copper Penetrates the Bacterial Cell: When bacteria come into contact with copper surfaces or copper ions, the bacteria membrane becomes damaged and copper enters the cell (2).
2. Copper Ions Cause New Reactions Within the Cell: Once inside the cell, copper ions (really, copper oxide nanoparticles) likely lead to the generation of reactive hydroxyl radicals (3). 
3. Disruption of Cellular Functions: The reactive hydroxyl radicals generation disrupts the normal functions of a bacterial cell. This process interferes with the bacteria’s ability to produce energy, synthesize DNA, and maintain its cell structure (4), ultimately leading to cell death.

Because of these processes, copper is effective at killing a wide range of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains. It’s particularly useful in hospital settings where bacterial infections are common, but its benefits extend to consumer products as well.

Medical Studies on Copper’s Antibacterial Properties

Several scientific studies have supported the use of copper as an effective antibacterial agent. One of the most notable reviews, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology in 2010, collected summaries of multiple tests about copper’s contact-killing properties across a range of bacteria. In particular, it shared that copper surfaces can kill Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a difficult-to-treat antibiotic-resistant bacterium, within a few hours of contact (5). 

Furthermore, a 2005 study published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology found that copper surfaces are remarkably effective at killing E. coli. This holds for both pure copper surfaces and for the more common and durable option of copper alloy surfaces (6).

Where Copper is Used for Its Antibacterial Properties

Given its proven antibacterial effects, copper is increasingly being used in a variety of industries to improve hygiene and prevent infections. Some of the key areas where copper is being used include:

1. Copper-Infused Fabrics and Bed Linens

One of the most exciting innovations in recent years is the use of copper-infused fabrics in healthcare and wellness products. These fabrics contain copper ions, which are released onto the skin during use. This helps reduce bacterial load and supports overall skin health by inhibiting bacterial growth that can lead to infections, acne, and other skin issues.

Copper-infused pillowcases, sheets, and clothing are gaining popularity for their ability to promote healthier skin. Studies have shown that copper ions can help enhance skin regeneration, reduce inflammation, and prevent bacterial infections. A collection of studies reviewed in the journal Current Chemical Biology summarized that copper-ionized pillowcases have improved facial skin's overall well-being and reduced wrinkles' appearance (7). 

A separate study in the Journal of Hospital Infections found that copper oxide-impregnated linens significantly reduced healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) caused by bacteria and drug-resistant organisms. The study concluded that the copper-oxide bed linens led to statistically significant reductions in infections from the bacterium Clostridium difficile (a bacterium that causes fever, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain) across 6 studied hospitals (8).

2. Copper Surfaces in Hospitals and Healthcare Settings

Hospitals and healthcare facilities are prime environments for bacterial infections due to the high concentration of patients and the use of medical equipment. Copper surfaces, including door handles, bed rails, and countertops, are being used in hospitals to reduce the transmission of bacteria and improve patient outcomes.

A 2019 study on hospital use of copper surfaces published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology demonstrated that copper alloy surfaces significantly reduce the microbial load in hospital settings, particularly in high-touch areas like hospital bedrails (9). The study found that copper surfaces decreased the presence of harmful bacteria by more than 90% compared to traditional materials, even with regular cleaning of traditional bedrails. The study showed that copper’s antimicrobial effect was far superior to that of other materials like plastic, which harbor bacteria for much longer periods.

3. Copper-Based Wound Dressings

Copper has also found its place in wound care. Copper-infused bandages and dressings are being used to treat cuts, burns, and other skin injuries due to their antibacterial properties. These dressings not only prevent bacterial infections but also promote faster healing by supporting collagen formation and reducing inflammation. In a 2024 study, copper’s ability to enhance tissue regeneration was shown to improve wound healing and promote cell regeneration in both acute and chronic wounds with the application of copper-containing materials (10), contributing to overall skin rejuvenation.

4. Copper in Water Filtration Systems

Copper is also used in water filtration systems due to its ability to kill harmful bacteria. Copper pipes and filters are known to inhibit the growth of bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella, which are common contaminants in drinking water. Copper’s antimicrobial effects make it an excellent material for reducing the risk of waterborne diseases, ensuring cleaner, safer water.

Copper’s Role in Health and Skin Care

Copper’s antibacterial properties make it an incredibly versatile tool in promoting skin health, wound healing, and overall hygiene. From copper-infused fabrics that reduce the risk of bacterial infections to copper-coated hospital surfaces that help prevent the spread of harmful pathogens, copper is proving to be a game-changer in various industries. Moreover, its ability to promote skin rejuvenation by supporting collagen production and tissue regeneration makes it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their skin health naturally.

For more information on how copper supports skin health and overall wellness, check out these related articles:

• The 6 Scientific Ways Copper Supports Skin Health
• How Copper is Revolutionizing Wellness and Skin Health

References

1. Vincent, M. et al. (2017). “Contact killing and antimicrobial properties of copper.” Journal of Applied Microbiology. Volume124, Issue5. Link
2. Chang, T. et al. (2021). “High-Resolution Microscopical Studies of Contact Killing Mechanisms on Copper-Based Surfaces.” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 13 (41), 49402-49413 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c11236. Link
3. Ibid.
4. Ibid.
5. Grass, G., et al. (2010). “Metallic Copper as an Antimicrobial Surface.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 77(5):1541–1547. Link
6. Wilks, S.A. et al. (2005). “The survival of Escherichia coli O157 on a range of metal surfaces.” International Journal of Food Microbiology. 105(3):445-54. doi: 10.1016. Link
7. Borkow, G. (2014). “Using Copper to Improve the Well-Being of the Skin.” Current Chemical Biology, 8(2):89–102. Link
8. Butler, J. P. (2018). “Effect of copper-impregnated composite bed linens and patient gowns on healthcare-associated infection rates in six hospitals.” Journal of Hospital Infections. 100(3):e130-e134. Link
9. Schmidt, M. et al. (2019). “Self-Disinfecting Copper Beds Sustain Terminal Cleaning and Disinfection Effects throughout Patient Care.” Applied and Environmental Microbiology. 86(1):e01886-19. Link
10. Zhang, Z. et al.  (2024) “Copper incorporated biomaterial-based technologies for multifunctional wound repair.” Theranostics. 14(2):547–570. Link