Titanium Micro-spikes Skewer Resistant Superbugs
Published:17 Sep.2023 Source:RMIT University
A new study suggests rough surfaces inspired by the bacteria-killing spikes on insect wings may be more effective at combatting drug-resistant superbugs, including fungus, than previously understood.
The increasing rates of drug-resistant infection has health experts globally concerned. To avoid infection around implants -- such as titanium hips or dental prosthesis -- doctors use a range of antimicrobial coatings, chemicals and antibiotics, but these fail to stop antibiotic-resistant strains and can even increase resistance.
To address these challenges, RMIT University scientists have designed a pattern of microscale spikes that can be etched onto titanium implants or other surfaces to provide effective, drug-free protection from both bacteria and fungus.
The team's study published in Advanced Materials Interfaces tested the effectiveness of the altered titanium surface in killing multi drug-resistant Candida -- a potentially deadly fungus responsible for one in 10 hospital-acquired medical device infections.