Oligodynamic effect
Efecto oligodinámico
- Date
- 1893 · confidence medium
- Place
- Munich, Bavaria, Germany
- Credited to
- Carl Nägeli
- Field
- Matter & energy
What was discovered
A biocidal effect of certain metals, especially heavy metals, that damages the cell membrane of bacteria and microorganisms even at very low concentrations; observed by botanist Carl Nägeli.
What it led to
- Use of copper and brass surfaces to reduce bacterial load
- A basis for later development of metallic biocides
- Studies on the toxicity of metal ions to microorganisms