Comparative Evaluation of Inherent Antimicrobial Properties and Bacterial Surface Adherence between Copper and Stainless Steel Suction Tube

Aim of the present study is comparative evaluation of the inherent antimicrobial properties of the copper and stainless steel suction tube also evaluate bacterial adherence and reduction with time within the suction tube. Present study was performed in an in vitro setting in Saveetha dental college and hospital. Both the metals suction tubes were cut into equal lengths of 2.3 inches and dipped in a sterile container for 5 minutes which had bacterial suspension of Streptococcus Mutans. Each group included three samples of copper and stainless steel suction tubes. Control group was taken out at 0 mins post initial dipping period de-coated in a sterile container and immediately cultured on Brain heart infusion agar, followed by group 1 at 15 minutes group 2 at 60 minutes and group 3 at 180 minutes respectively. Bacterial colonies were counted after overnight incubation. Copper suction tubes demonstrated less initial adhesion of bacterial colonies than that of stainless steel suction tubes. Percentage reduction in bacterial colonies was observed more in stainless steel suction tubes with respect to time. Spite of high initial adhesion stainless steel suction tube demonstrated higher degree of percentage reduction in bacterial colonies with time hence proven better for antimicrobial properties than copper suction tube.