Table 3.
Metal cations | Activity towards microorganism | References |
---|---|---|
Cadmium, Cd2+ | Reacts with sulphdryl groups on various intracellular proteins | 140 |
Copper, Cu2+ | Membrane‐bound copper ions may undergo Cu(I) to Cu(II) redox cycle, catalysing formation of highly toxic hydroperoxide radicals (R‐OOH) | 58, 141, 142 |
Cobalt, Co2+ | Competes with zinc for the active site of urease, thus inhibiting growth of Helicobacter pylori | 143 |
Silver, Ag+ | Interacts with intracellular components to suppress expression of enzymes and proteins essential for ATP production and condenses DNA, thus impairing replication | 73 |
Zinc, Zn2+ | Inhibits nutrient uptake, acid production and glycolysis in oral pathogens and rhinoviral replication. Interferes with proton transfer | 65, 144, 145 |