3 ms·
Biochemist here: yes, wooden chopsticks are probably hygienic enough for all intents and purposes. However, metal chopsticks have a smoother, non-porous surface
by epgui 4y ago
Biochemist here: yes, wooden chopsticks are probably hygienic enough for all intents and purposes. However, metal chopsticks have a smoother, non-porous surface, and therefore will be inherently a less friendly environment for bacteria. Some metals further have antibacterial properties.
- seszett 4y agoActually, wood also has antibacterial properties which make it more hygienic than plastic for example. Probably not more than stainless steel though. edit I'm curious to know why I am being downvoted as I thought the antibacterial properties of wood vs. plastic for eg. cutting boards were a well known thing. Here is a paper about it: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31113021/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31113021/
- dismantlethesun 4y agoNo one in the thread was talking about plastic until you mentioned it.
- seszett 4y agoIt was just an example of a material that doesn't have antibacterial properties. My point was simply that wood also has antibacterial properties, like steel, and probably shouldn't be considered less hygienic.
- zumu 4y agoYou probably considered this, but most wooden chopsticks are also heavily lacquered or otherwise sealed. I would assume the porousness is dependent on said sealant.
- epgui 4y agoThat’s right! However this can wear off over time.