IIT Madras Patents Chemical-Free Antibacterial Surface That Physically Kills Bacteria And Helps Fight Antimicrobial Resistance
New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras, has patented a chemical-free antibacterial surface that can physically eliminate harmful bacteria without the use of antibiotics, disinfectants, radiation or any other antimicrobial chemicals, officials said. The innovation aims to address an emerging issue globally, namely Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) – the ability of disease-causing…
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has been granted a patent for a novel chemical-free antibacterial surface capable of eliminating harmful bacteria physically. This innovation aims to combat the growing issue of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), where bacteria evolve to resist conventional treatments. Professor Parasuraman Swaminathan explains that the technology doesn't rely on chemical action but utilizes specially engineered nanostructures that rupture bacterial cell walls upon contact, causing severe mechanical stress that disintegrates the cell walls.
The surfaces are safe for human cells, as they create a stiff layer on implant-grade silicone substrates that efficiently transfers mechanical forces to bacteria. The research, published in the journal ACS Applied Biomaterials, tested the surfaces against three bacterial species, showing strong bactericidal activity and significant biofilm inhibition.
The technology could have wide-ranging applications in various industries beyond healthcare, as it avoids chemical leaching, toxicity, and the development of resistant bacterial strains.
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