This is a simple science experiment you can do to compare the antimicrobial properties of Stainless Steel and Copper:
- Press an unwashed finger onto coupons of copper (C110) and stainless steel (S304).
NOTE: Items that may be used instead of a metal coupon include:
Copper - a penny, piece of copper water tube or any other copper surface not coated with a lacquer
Stainless Steel - stainless steel tableware, or other uncoated stainless steel surface. - Set aside coupons for three hours at room temperature (around 68F).
- Press coupons onto nutrient agar plates, and incubate the plate at ~100F overnight (12 hours).
NOTE: Nutrient agar plates may be obtained from a local hospital or from a science supply house. Homemade plates can be fashioned from a small empty cup lined with a double thickness of foil and fat-free beef or chicken broth. Instructions can found at the science projects web site.