RMIT researchers reveal titanium microspike coating to curb antibiotic-resistant microbes
Researchers at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology have created a titanium microspike coating that neutralizes harmful microbes, including many strains resistant to antibiotics. The results highlight a fresh method to reduce pathogen contamination on medical surfaces and appear in the journal Advanced Materials Interfaces.
In tests, the coating targeted the Candida fungus, a drug-resistant microbe linked to a sizeable portion of infections acquired in healthcare settings. The numerous titanium tips, about the size of a bacterial cell, touched the microorganisms and killed roughly half of the bacterial population within moments. The remaining cells showed a reduced ability to reproduce or cause disease due to damage inflicted by contact with the microspikes. This mechanical disruption lowers the risk of pathogen spread on treated surfaces.
Beyond Candida, the coating demonstrated activity against several disease-causing bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, according to the study authors. The approach relies on physical disruption rather than chemical biocides, offering a potential path to lessen antibiotic resistance concerns tied to conventional disinfection methods.
Lead researcher Elena Ivanova noted that the design took inspiration from natural surfaces found on dragonfly wings. Those wings feature nanopillars that mechanically damage microbial cells upon contact. The team suggests the coating could be applied to medical devices, dental implants, hospital equipment, and other products that require strong protection against pathogens.
As infections caused by hardy microbes continue to challenge healthcare systems, experts view this technology as a complementary safeguard alongside existing sterilization and infection-control measures. Ongoing work aims to translate laboratory success into scalable manufacturing and real-world use, with thorough evaluation of long-term safety and effectiveness in clinical settings.