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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.

2012

EOSCU Registered for EPA Public Health Claims

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

2008

Copper Alloys Registered for EPA Public Health Claims

US EPA registers copper alloys as antibacterial sanitizing surfaces

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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