Copper: the metal that can help fight the coronavirus

Among the investigations that have been carried out in different countries to better understand the behavior of the new coronavirus, there is one in particular that determined the time that the virus remains active in different materials. The findings were published in The New England Journal of Medicine and it is endorsed by scientists from Princeton University and the University of California (UCLA), as well as specialists from the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Four materials were used for the research: steel, plastic, copper and cardboard. The results showed that the coronavirus lasted 4 hours in copper, 24 hours in cardboard, while in plastic and steel up to 72 hours. Thus, the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of copper were verified, which has been used since ancient times in medicine.

What does copper do with the coronavirus? Aarón Cortés, research coordinator of the Department of Traumatology of the Clinical Hospital of the University of Chile, He explains it as follows: “All viruses have glycoproteins in their outer membrane, which is like a fat bubble. Being in contact with copper, what it does is disintegrate that bubble, then what copper does is break the virus itself and therefore it inactivates it ”.

Countries like Chile and Japan are promoting the development of protective material for doctors using copper nanoparticles. In this way, masks and collars made with this technology progressively release the active principles of the metal. In addition, they can be washable and reusable. In this regard, a CNN Chile publication reported on the manufacture of this medical material by two companies in the southern country, Copptech and Caffarena.

Copper at home

In the same way, it is possible to implement this material at home, which is commonly used in taps, door handles, furniture and ornaments. But as in medicine, technology is also providing solutions with microparticles of this metal in the home.

This is the case of copper melamine boards, which eliminate up to 99% of bacteria, viruses, fungi and mold. In Peru, this type of material is offered by the Arauco company, through its Vesto melamine, developed in 2013 together with Codelco and Copper Andino.

The copper is applied during the impregnation process of the paper that goes on the surface before it is pressed to the board and allows the protection to be maintained throughout the useful life of the product. This can be used in the manufacture of furniture for the home or office, even as a coating, making it a versatile, safe and non-toxic material.

Materials like these, as well as other products for construction, design and decoration will be presented Expodeco 2020.

Coronavirus: WHO recommendations to avoid contagion