Table 4 Possible antimicrobial mechanisms of minerals in MR and AV drugs

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].