The invention relates to the production and use of novel bioactive devices and metallic coatings for example for sterilizing, disinfecting, and decontaminating water or aqueous solutions. The known oligodynamic effect of silver for reducing the amount of germs is thereby improved and increased by combining silver with ruthenium and a vitamin or derivative thereof. The novel properties of these bioactive metal surfaces lead to faster and more efficient killing of microorganisms. Simultaneously, these novel bioactive metal surfaces prevent infestation by microorganisms and attachment or permanent deposition of problematic biomolecules such as for example DNA, RNA, or proteins. A self-cleaning surface is thus obtained, which very quickly and efficiently and over extended periods of time sterilizes water and aqueous solutions when they come in contact with said surface.
