Australian scientists from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) have developed a special titanium microspike coating that kills superbugs, many of which are antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Research results published In the scientific journal Advanced Materials Interfaces.
RMIT experts tested the technology on the multi-drug-resistant Candida fungus. This potentially deadly pathogen is responsible for 10% of nosocomial infections. The tiny tips, as long as a bacterial cell, killed about half of the bacteria shortly after contact. The surviving portion of Candida was unable to reproduce or become infected due to the injuries.
The technology has also proven effective against other disease-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, the researchers said.
RMIT professor Elena Ivanova, who led the research, noted that the creators of surfaces harmful to microorganisms were inspired by dragonfly wings. They are covered with special nanopillars that, on contact, break down microbial cells. According to Ivanova, the technology could be applied in the production of medical equipment, dental implants and other products that need protection from pathogens.
ancient scientists acceptedBy 2050, it is predicted that humanity will lose 2 million people every year due to infections caused by super microbes.