Mineral | Mechanism of action |
---|---|
Pyrite/ chalcopyrite | Spontaneously generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl radicals when they are placed in water. Caused to degrade ribosomal RNA and DNA [45]. |
Sulfur present in soluble forms with water | Could interact with the oxygen radicals in the drug-microbe aqueous mixture which may in turn be transformed into pentathionic acid (H2S5O6), which could be a source of the antibacterial activity of water based broth preparations [46, 47]. |
Oxides (zinc, copper and iron oxides) | Could act as sources that create hydrogen peroxide oxide radicals which contribute to the inhibition of both gram positive and negative bacterial species [48]. |