Bacteria-killing glass offers hope in fight against hospital infections
Scientists at Aston University have discovered a technique similar to medieval stained glass-making that can completely eradicate the deadliest hospital infections within hours.
Using a so-called bioactive phosphate glass containing small amounts of the metallic element cobalt, the researchers were able to achieve a "complete kill" of the deadly bacterial infections E.coli and Candida albicans (a fungal infection associated with surgery), as well as a near-complete kill of Staphylococcus aureus (the drug-resistant form of which is MRSA).
Lead researcher, Dr. Richard Martin of Aston University in Birmingham, said the findings had significant implications, offering the possibility of cheap, antimicrobial implants and coatings to combat the most common sources of infections associated with medical care.
Avoiding the need for antibiotics, it is also thought the bioactive glass could be effective against drug-resistant 'superbugs,' helping to tackle the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
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