Superbug-killer coating developed
The coating can be used to keep biomedical and consumer products free of bacteria without antibiotics, which no longer kill resistant 'superbugs'. Image: Eraxion/iStockphoto The superbugs have met their match.Conceived at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), it comes in the form of a coating which has a magnetic-like feature that attracts bacteria and kills them without the need for antibiotics.The killer coating, which has shown to destroy 99% of the bacteria and fungi that it comes in contact with, is now being used by two companies: a contact lens manufacturer and a company specialising in animal care products.The next step is to extend its use in a wide range of biomedical and consumer products, ranging from implants and surgical instruments to kitchen utensils and cutlery, as it is harmless to human cells.This is an alternative solution which could replace antibiotics - currently the main defence against bacteria - now powerless against super bugs.The...