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    RESEARCH

    Timeline of Copper Research

    Research into the biocidal properties of copper has seen a number of key milestones over the past century. Here are a few highlights.

    29
    Atomic Number
    10000
    Years of active use by humans
    19400000
    metric tons mined per year
    IMPACT

    Copper Research Timeline

    Click on each item to be taken directly to the publication.

    2023

    Jinadatha, et al.

    Demonstrated reduction in microbial bioburden accumulation on EOSCU
    2022

    Jinadatha, et al.

    EOSCU demonstrates efficacy against C. difficile spores at VA hospital
    2021

    Harris, et al

    Study investigated persistence and viability of SARS-CoV-2 on 16 common hospital surfaces. No viable virus detected on 

    EOSCU at 4 hours, viable virus detected on stainless and Corian at 30+ hours
    2020

    Jinadatha, et al

    EOSCU demonstrates statistically significant reductions in bioburden on high-touch surfaces
    2020

    Doremalen, et al.

    No SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus detected on copper after 4 hours compared to plastic and stainless steel after 72 hours
    2019

    R01 Grant Awarded

    Central Texas VA awarded R01 Grant to investigate EOSCU's self-sanitizing properties and economic impact on reducing HAIs
    2018

    Burke, et al.

    Hospital with EOSCU surfaces reduced HAIs significantly when compared to equally new and certified hospitals
    2017

    Weber, et al.

    Commentary on Souli (2017), Sifri (2016), and Von Dessauer (2016)
    2017

    Hinsa-Leasure, et al.

    Copper alloy athletic equipment had less contamination
    2017

    Schmidt, et al.

    Copper alloy components on stethoscopes were less contaminated
    2017

    Coppin, et al.

    EOSCU overbed tables had 81% less bioburden than standard tables; VA hospital
    2017

    Souli, et al.

    Copper alloy surfaces reduce colonization by MDROs
    2016

    Hinsa-Leasure, et al.

    Copper allows reduce bioburden on patient room high-touch surfaces
    2016

    Von Dessauer, et al.

    Copper alloys reduce bioburden in pediatric ICU surfaces
    2016

    Sifri, et al.

    Largest clinical trial on copper efficacy results in 68-83% reductions in HAI rates (EOSCU)
    2015

    Eser, et al.

    Copper alloys show statistically significant reductions in bioburden
    2014

    Monk, et al.

    Data demonstrating EPA-registered efficacy published for EOSCU: >99.9% kill within 2 hours
    2014

    Lazary, et al

    HAI rates reduced in ICU with copper-impregnated textiles
    2013

    Salgado, et al.

    Bioburden and HAIs reduced in ICUs with copper fixtures
    2012

    EOSCU Registered for EPA Public Health Claims

    EOSCU becomes first solid surface to become EPA registered for public health claims

    2012

    Karpanen, et al.

    Copper fixtures lower microbe counts
    2010

    Salgado, et al.

    Copper fixtures in hospital ICU reduced microbial load by 87.4%
    2009

    Casey, et al.

    Copper harbors 90-100% fewer microbes than control materials
    2008

    Mehtar, et al.

    Copper kills pathogens associated with healthcare associated infections (HAIs)
    2008

    Copper Alloys Registered for EPA Public Health Claims

    US EPA registers copper alloys as antibacterial sanitizing surfaces

    2007

    Michels, et al.

    Copper demonstrates superior antimicrobial efficacy versus stainless steel
    1980s - 90s

    Mechanisms of biocidal activity

    Advances in microscopy and other assaying technologies allows researchers to pinpoint the biological process that allow copper to disrupt bacterial cell walls and metabolism and explain the role of free radicals in biocidal activity

    1960s

    Anti-pathogen activity

    Research into how copper targets specific pathogens, leading to improved treatments

    1934

    Copper used by body to fight infections

    Investigations into elevated levels of copper in the blood of patients fighting a variety of infections lead researchers to conclude that the body employs copper as a means of fighting pathogens.

    1900s

    Germ theory of disease

    Once scientists revealed the biological origin of infection via bacteria, viruses, and fungi, research into copper focused on treatments for disease, but investigations into the mechanisms behind biocidal efficacy begin in full force.

    1800s

    Dawn of modern medicine

    The 1800s saw the rise of what would become modern medicine, thanks to the Enlightenment and the development of the scientific method. Early researchers saw connections between exposure to copper and resistance to infection, pushing investigations into why copper helps keep water potable on long sea voyages. Early experiments led to discoveries of copper formulations to help with chronic dysentery and cholera. 

    500 BCE

    Ancient civilizations

    The Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans are among the early civilizations with extensive use of copper in a variety of forms. Its biocidal properties were used in wound care and to treat eye infections.
    4000 BCE

    Prehistoric use

    Copper was the first metal used by the New Stone Age (Neolithic) humans, as early as 8000 BCE. Around 4000 BCE, metallurgy was invented in Mesopotamia, allowing copper to be cast into molds and then alloyed with tin, ushering in the Bronze Age.

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