A live experiment showing the antibacterial properties of copper versus stainless steel will be broadcast from the University of Southampton on 4 April. Viewers will be able to see the results unfold at the microscopic level.

Professor William Keevil, Microbiological Researcher and Head of Environmental Research at the University, will oversee the experiment in which liquid containing 1-10 million bacteria (of MSRA culture) will be placed on a copper and a stainless steel coupon.

As the culture – stained with a green fluorescent dye to make it visible under a microscope – dies off, the fluorescence will diminish. The rate of diminishing will be a measure of the antimicrobial power of the metal used. Little or no fade means that the surface has little or no antimicrobial activity, a rapid fade shows antimicrobial potency.

Once a minute for quarter of an hour, an image of the cultures will be taken to display the experiment’s evolution. The experiment will take place at 14.00.

Further information

Watch the experiment live

University of Southampton