Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate – Antibacterial Active Ingredient for Topical Formulations

1. Overview of Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate

Cupric (II) sulphate is an inorganic copper salt, commonly used in its hydrated form (Cupric (II) sulphate pentahydrate - CuSO₄​⋅5H_2​O). It possesses potent antibacterial activity and is gaining significant interest as an alternative solution to reduce microbial loads in healthcare environments. Copper is an essential element for living organisms, serving as a cofactor for metalloproteins and enzymes. However, at high concentrations, it is toxic and inhibits the growth of most microorganisms, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains such as Staphylococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and Pseudomonas.

Cupric sulfate is considered a promising complementary method to enhance biosecurity in hospitals. It can be utilized as a salt, as antibacterial granules, or impregnated into fabrics and liquids to prevent the spread of infections. At a concentration of 800 µg/ml, it can inhibit the growth of 80% of isolated strains, and a concentration of 1600 µg/ml is recognized as optimal for ensuring the inactivation and prevention of replication of all bacterial strains.

2. Information on Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate

• Material name: Cupric Sulphate (Pentahydrate)
• CAS: 7758-99-8
• Formula: CuSO₄​⋅5H_2​O
• Molecular Weight: 249,69 g/mol
• Appearance: Blue crystalline powder
• Solubility: Freely soluble in water and glycerol; slightly soluble in ethanol
• Function: Trace element active ingredient, antibacterial agent, chemical reagent, and fungicide
• Quality Standard: Meets USP Pharmacopeial standards

3. Antibacterial Mechanism of Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate

The bactericidal mechanism of Cupric Sulfate Pentahydrate primarily stems from divalent copper ions (Cu²⁺) released upon dissolution in water. This is a multi-target mechanism, making it difficult for bacteria to develop resistance compared to many antibiotics that target only a single site, including:

• Inactivation of enzymatic pathways: Copper inhibits the activity of essential enzymes required for bacterial survival.
• Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS): The formation of these free radicals causes severe damage to cellular components.
• Precipitation of bacterial proteins: Denatures and precipitates proteins, causing them to lose function.
• Modification of the cell wall: Alters the structure and permeability of the bacterial cell wall.
• Disruption or alteration of nucleic acid synthesis: Directly affects bacterial DNA/RNA without inducing mutations.

4. Applications of Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate

In Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare

• Topical antiseptics and antifungal agents: Formulated at low concentrations as topical antiseptics to treat tinea pedis/manuum (athlete's foot), tinea versicolor, ringworm, boils, prickly heat, and itching.
• Feminine hygiene & antiseptic solutions: Due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties (specifically against Candida), Cupric Sulphate acts as an active ingredient in gynecological antiseptic preparations to treat leukorrhea, inflammation, and for cleansing.
• Intravenous nutrition solutions: Used to supplement essential trace elements for patients unable to feed orally or with poor intestinal absorption.

 In Agriculture

• Fungicide production: Combined with hydrated lime, it serves as a classic broad-spectrum fungicide/bactericide for fruit trees, coffee, rubber, and crops.
• Micronutrient supplementation for soil & crops: Provides elemental copper (Cu) to stimulate chlorophyll synthesis and enhance plant resistance.
• Feed additives:Small amounts of Cu are added to livestock and poultry feed to promote metabolism and boost the immune system.

In Aquaculture

• Algae & moss control in swimming pools: Inhibits photosynthesis in moss and algae, helping control the growth of cyanobacteria and toxic algae.
• Aquaculture pond treatment: Eradicates parasites and prevents diseases such as slime disease, skin lesions, and red gills in shrimp and fish.

In Industry & Scientific Research

• Electroplating & Metallurgy:Used as an electrolyte in the copper electroplating industry and for refining copper metal via electrolysis.
• Textile Dyeing & Printing Industry:Functions as a color fixative (mordant) in fabric dyeing, synthetic dye manufacturing, and printing inks.
• Analytical Chemistry & Laboratories:Used as a reagent in chemistry (such as Fehling's and Benedict's reagents for reducing sugar identification) and in electrochemical cell production.

5. Commercial products using Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate

6. Product contact information

For more information about Cupric Sulphate Pentahydrate - USP supply, please contact us:

• Hotline: +84 (0) 834 560 500
• Email: director@biorichgroup.com
• Website: www.biorichgroup.com
• Sample / COA Request: Please contact us via email to receive samples and the latest Certificate of Analysis (COA).