The Efficacy of Various Novel Copper-Based Antibacterial Solutions on E. Coli

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for long-lasting sanitation solutions in households, businesses, and schools. Current disinfectants, like Lysol, kill bacteria and other microbes only at initial application and are ineffective under aqueous conditions. Copper (II) ions and Lactic Acid are highly regarded for their synergetic, long-lasting antibacterial properties. Although L-pyroglutamic acid holds similar properties, little research has examined its efficacy with copper metal. The purpose of this experiment is to find a novel, clinically safe, antibacterial solution for instantaneous microbial inhibition and continued inhibition over extended periods of time in aqueous solutions. Two antibacterial solutions utilizing Copper (II) Sulfate (10 ppm) were developed with 1% Lactic Acid (Solution A) and 1% L-Pyroglutamic Acid (Solution B). The extinction rate of Escherichia coli K12 bacteria for each solution and Lysol was recorded. The concentration of E. coli was observed via spectrophotometry at 3-time intervals: Initial Introduction (28 Minutes), Short Term (2 Hours) and Long Term (72 hours). At initial introduction, there was no significant difference between solutions (p>0.05) ranging from 22 to 28% E. coli loss from the original sample. Significant growth inhibition (p <0.05) occurred in Solution A and Solution B compared to Lysol after 2 hours. Solution B sustained higher efficacy compared to Lysol after 72 hours. Overall, our Copper (II)/Lactic Acid Solution (Solution A) and Copper (II)/L-Pyroglutamic Acid Solution (Solution B) showed significant improvement when compared to the efficacy of Lysol in aqueous solutions over longer periods of time. Both solutions are cheap, clinically safe, and long-lasting, making them pragmatic options for the future aqueous household sanitation.

Keywords:

Lysol, Copper, E. Coli, Lactic Acid Pyrrolidonecarboxylic Acid, Disinfectant,

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