Swedish scientists from Chalmers University of Technology have developed a technology to combat pathogenic bacteria in hip and knee implants. It is based on the use of microscopic gold radiators that destroy pathogens due to high temperature. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine NanoLetters (NanoLets).
Implantation of medical devices weakens the body’s immunity, making it easier for bacterial infections to develop. If infected, high doses of antibiotics are required, and in some cases, treatment can last a lifetime.
The team created nanometer-sized gold rods on the surface of the implants. When irradiated with invisible near-infrared light, the sticks destroy any germs due to local heating.
“The gold rods absorb light, the electrons underneath move, and finally the nanorods release heat. You could say that the gold nanorods work like little frying pans that fry the bacteria until they are completely destroyed,” explained the study’s lead author, PhD student Maia Uusitalo.
The gold rods are unevenly distributed and cover only ten percent of the implant surface. This means that the material’s beneficial properties, such as its ability to adhere to bone, are largely preserved. At the same time, heating does not cause burns to the patient due to the small size of the device.
Previous scientists was created Coating that kills 99.99% of bacteria by cutting them with graphene flakes.
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Source: Gazeta
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