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inspired by mussels Spanish researchers have developed an innovative material to fight against the spread of pathogens, infections and antimicrobial resistance, inspired by the substances secreted by mussels to adhere to rocks. Described in the Chemical Engineering Journal, the material can be used as a coating to protect healthcare fabrics and provides an effective alternative to commonly used materials such as paper, cotton, surgical masks and commercial plasters.
he development of novel and more efficient antibacterial materials has become essential to reduce pathogen spread, thus preventing infections. Of relevance is the control of bacterial populations in health environments such as hospitals and other healthcare units to avoid so-called nosocomial infections, mainly due to bacterial colonisation on biomedical surfaces. This type of infection is the sixth leading cause of death in industrialised countries and much higher in the developing world, specially affecting immunocompromised and intensive care patients (eg, burns) and those with chronic pathologies such as diabetes.
20 | LAB+LIFE SCIENTIST - Apr/May 2024
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