The problems and limitations of antibiotics and antimicrobial substances have received a great deal of attention in the press. The main concern is bacterial resistance. As an alternative, a science group have developed a special coating which can destroy bacteria on contact.
A research team based at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, have developed a special coating which has a magnetic-like feature. The magnetic nature is used to attract bacteria and then kills them. The application could lead to an antibiotic 'alternative'.
The Alpha Galileo Foundation notes that the coating has been tested against bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause infections in the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and the urinary tract; and Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infections ranging from skin boils or abscesses to deadly diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis.
The research was led by Professor Mary Chan, Acting Chair of NTU's School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. The research findings were published in the journal Nature Materials.
Chan is quoted by the Meridian Institute as saying, in relation to the research:
A key advantage with the coating is that it is harmless to human cells.
The application is thus far being used by two companies: a contact lens manufacturer and a company specializing in animal care products. The next wave of developments is likely to be with implants and surgical instruments.
Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology
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