Mechanism of Action of Copper 8-Quinolinolate

Abstract

SUMMARY A theory of the mechanism of fungistatic action of copper 8-quinolinolate is proposed. It is suggested that molecules of the copper salt must first dissociate to form copper ions and 8-hydroxyquinoline, each of which performs different but uniquely related functions. The 8-hydroxyquinoline inhibits the growth of fungi by precipitating those metals which are essential for their metabolism (1, 13). The copper ions function synergistically with the 8-hydroxyquinoline. In addition to discussing the theory, some of its practical implications are presented.