Electrochemical eradication of microbes on surfaces of objects

An apparatus for reducing or preventing the growth of microbes on the surface of an object, the apparatus comprising:

• a reference electrode;
• a counter electrode;
• an electrical lead configured for attachment to the object such that, when attached, the object acts as a working electrode;
• and
• a potentiostatic device in electrical communication with the electrical lead, the counter electrode, and the reference electrode, the potentiostatic device configured to:
• pass electrical current through the working and counter electrodes when the object is attached to the electrical lead;
• and
• vary the current through the counter electrode such that the electric potential of the working electrode is substantially constant relative to an electric potential of the reference electrode, and the electric potential of the working electrode is chosen such that the growth of microbes on the object is reduced or prevented.