The global rise of antibiotic resistance and the paucity of novel antimicrobial compounds in the pipeline have revived interest in the use of metals as antimicrobial agents. Here, Lemire, Harrison and Turner describe the principles of metal toxicity, the uptake of metals by microbial cells and the distinct types of cellular damage that they cause. They also discuss the use of metal-based agents as antimicrobials.
- Joseph A. Lemire
- Joe J. Harrison
- Raymond J. Turner
