Copper and Copper Nanoparticles Applications and Their Role against Infections: A Minireview
Iliana Ivanova, Dragomira S. Daskalova, Lilia Yordanova, Elitsa Pavlova
Abstract
The focus of this review article is to present a retrospective analysis of copper applications focusing on ions and nanoparticles as broad-spectrum antimicrobials. Copper nanoparticles are presented as an alternative to rising antibiotic resistance. The basic mechanisms of bacterial, fungal, and viral inactivation, which explain their potential, are presented. The green biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using biomaterials is also presented and considered a very promising trend for future biotechnology and medical applications.
Topics & Concepts
CopperNanoparticleAntimicrobialNanotechnologyAntibiotic resistanceAntibioticsChemistryMicrobiologyMaterials scienceBiologyMetallurgyNanoparticles: synthesis and applicationsMedicinal Plants and Neuroprotection