Metallic copper surfaces exhibit strong antimicrobial properties, killing bacteria, yeasts, and viruses rapidly. This process, termed "contact killing," has been recognized since ancient times and is now being re-evaluated for its potential in healthcare settings to reduce nosocomial infections. Copper surfaces can eliminate at least 7 to 8 logs of microorganisms per hour, and no live microbes are typically recovered after prolonged exposure. Copper is now registered as the first solid antimicrobial material by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Clinical studies have evaluated copper for use on touch surfaces like door handles and bed rails to prevent infections. Understanding the mechanism of contact killing is crucial for addressing issues like resistant organisms and cleaning protocols. Copper has been used by humans for thousands of years, initially as a native metal without the need for smelting. Its use in bronze, a copper-tin alloy, began around 3000 B.C. Copper's medical use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for sterilization. In the 19th century, copper's medical potential was recognized, and it was used to treat various ailments. However, the rise of antibiotics in the 1930s led to the decline of copper's medical use. Today, copper is being reconsidered as an alternative to antibiotics due to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Copper is an essential trace element in living organisms, involved in various enzymes as an electron donor/acceptor. However, copper can also cause cellular damage through redox reactions and reactive oxygen species. Bacteria have evolved mechanisms to resist copper toxicity, including extracellular sequestration and active extrusion. In contrast, copper utilization by bacteria is less understood, with some bacteria using specialized uptake systems. Studies show that copper surfaces can kill bacteria within minutes, with dry surfaces being more effective than wet ones. The mechanism of contact killing involves dissolved copper ions, which cause cellular damage, membrane rupture, and DNA degradation. Copper's antimicrobial properties are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including spores, and have been demonstrated in hospital trials. Copper surfaces have shown significant reductions in bacterial counts compared to control surfaces, suggesting their potential in infection control. Copper's antimicrobial properties are influenced by factors such as copper content, temperature, and humidity. Copper surfaces remain effective even when soiled, and cleaning protocols should ensure they remain free of coatings that may reduce their efficacy. Hospital trials have shown that copper surfaces can reduce microbial contamination, particularly in areas frequently touched by patients and staff. Trials in various hospitals have demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial load on copper surfaces compared to non-copper surfaces. Copper's antimicrobial properties are now being integrated into healthcare settings as a supplement to traditional hygiene measures. However, further research is needed to determine the most effective ways to use copper surfaces in hospitals, including the optimal placement and alloy selection. Copper's ability to kill bacteria rapidly and its long-term effectiveness makeMetallic copper surfaces exhibit strong antimicrobial properties, killing bacteria, yeasts, and viruses rapidly. This process, termed "contact killing," has been recognized since ancient times and is now being re-evaluated for its potential in healthcare settings to reduce nosocomial infections. Copper surfaces can eliminate at least 7 to 8 logs of microorganisms per hour, and no live microbes are typically recovered after prolonged exposure. Copper is now registered as the first solid antimicrobial material by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Clinical studies have evaluated copper for use on touch surfaces like door handles and bed rails to prevent infections. Understanding the mechanism of contact killing is crucial for addressing issues like resistant organisms and cleaning protocols. Copper has been used by humans for thousands of years, initially as a native metal without the need for smelting. Its use in bronze, a copper-tin alloy, began around 3000 B.C. Copper's medical use dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for sterilization. In the 19th century, copper's medical potential was recognized, and it was used to treat various ailments. However, the rise of antibiotics in the 1930s led to the decline of copper's medical use. Today, copper is being reconsidered as an alternative to antibiotics due to the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Copper is an essential trace element in living organisms, involved in various enzymes as an electron donor/acceptor. However, copper can also cause cellular damage through redox reactions and reactive oxygen species. Bacteria have evolved mechanisms to resist copper toxicity, including extracellular sequestration and active extrusion. In contrast, copper utilization by bacteria is less understood, with some bacteria using specialized uptake systems. Studies show that copper surfaces can kill bacteria within minutes, with dry surfaces being more effective than wet ones. The mechanism of contact killing involves dissolved copper ions, which cause cellular damage, membrane rupture, and DNA degradation. Copper's antimicrobial properties are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including spores, and have been demonstrated in hospital trials. Copper surfaces have shown significant reductions in bacterial counts compared to control surfaces, suggesting their potential in infection control. Copper's antimicrobial properties are influenced by factors such as copper content, temperature, and humidity. Copper surfaces remain effective even when soiled, and cleaning protocols should ensure they remain free of coatings that may reduce their efficacy. Hospital trials have shown that copper surfaces can reduce microbial contamination, particularly in areas frequently touched by patients and staff. Trials in various hospitals have demonstrated a significant reduction in bacterial load on copper surfaces compared to non-copper surfaces. Copper's antimicrobial properties are now being integrated into healthcare settings as a supplement to traditional hygiene measures. However, further research is needed to determine the most effective ways to use copper surfaces in hospitals, including the optimal placement and alloy selection. Copper's ability to kill bacteria rapidly and its long-term effectiveness make