As the world is facing a crisis of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, it’s essential that we develop novel technologies that help us eliminate this urgent global health problem.
With that in mind, academics from McMaster University, Canada, have developed a revolutionary self-cleaning plastic wrap that repels all forms of bacteria – and could prevent the transfer of dangerous microbes in settings ranging from hospitals to kitchens.
The new plastic surface – a treated form of conventional transparent wrap – can be shrink-wrapped onto door handles, railings, intravenous stands and other surfaces known to be magnets for bacteria like MRSA.
The coating, inspired by water-resistant lotus leaves, is textured with microscopic wrinkles that block out external molecules and are chemically treated, meaning that water, blood or bacteria bounce away when they come into contact with the surface.
The researchers are now aiming to develop commercial applications for the wrap, which could be a game-changing tool in the fight against drug-resistant microbes.
