Bactericidal behavior of Cu-containing stainless steel surfaces

► Cu-containing stainless steel (Cu-SS and CuNi-SS) surfaces were prepared. ► Cu-SS exhibits a much stronger bactericidal activity than CuNi-SS. ► Cu ions were released from the Cu-SS surfaces. ► Cu ions action with cell membranes, resulting in bacterial death. ► Bacterial exposure to Cu-SS surfaces for short time did not result in DNA damage.