What is Copper Fiber? Antibacterial Principle & Application of Copper Fiber

Copper fiber belongs to the antibacterial fiber, is a functional fiber, can block the spread of disease, hygiene and cleanliness, antibacterial textiles have an important role, generally divided into natural antibacterial fiber and artificial antibacterial fiber. Among them, the addition of metal ion type antimicrobial agent artificial antimicrobial fiber in recent years, the rapid development. It has a high degree of safety, does not produce drug resistance and other characteristics, especially its excellent heat resistance and chemical stability, has been widely used in the field of fibers. Inorganic antimicrobial agents most commonly used metal ions are mainly silver, copper and zinc.

Antibacterial Principle

First, the direct interaction between the copper surface and the bacterial outer membrane ruptures the bacterial outer membrane; afterwards, the copper surface acts on the broken hole in the bacterial outer membrane, depriving the cell of essential nutrients and water until it atrophies.

The outer membrane of all cells, including single-celled organisms such as bacteria, has a stable microcurrent, commonly referred to as the "membrane potential". To be more precise, it is the voltage difference between the inside and outside of the cell. It is likely that a short circuit occurs in the cell membrane when contact occurs between the bacteria and the copper surface, which weakens the cell membrane and creates a hole.

Another way to create holes in bacterial cell membranes is through local oxidation and rusting, which occurs when a single copper molecule or copper ion breaks free from the copper surface and impacts the cell membrane (protein or fatty acid). If the impact is aerobic, we call it "oxidative damage" or "rusting".

Since the main protection of the cell (outer membrane) has been breached, the copper ion flow can enter the interior of the cell unimpeded. Some important processes inside the cell are disrupted. Copper really takes control of the inside of the cell and hinders cellular metabolism (e.g. biochemical reactions necessary for life). Metabolic reactions are driven by enzymes, and when too much copper binds to such enzymes they become inactive. Bacteria will then be unable to breathe, feed, digest and produce energy.

Therefore, copper can kill 99% of bacteria on its surface including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, providing a good antibacterial effect.