Bacteria-free Surface: Inspired by
Dragonfly
Studies have shown that the wings of dragonflies and
cicadas prevent bacterial growth due to their natural structure. The surfaces
of their wings are covered in nanopillars making them look like a bed of nails.
When bacteria come into contact with these surfaces, their cell membranes get
ripped apart immediately and they are killed. This inspired researchers to
invent an anti-bacterial nano coating for disinfecting frequently touched
surfaces such as door handles, tables and lift buttons. This technology will
prove particularly useful in creating bacteria-free surfaces in places like
hospitals and clinics, where sterilization is important to help control the
spread of infections.
According to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control, 80%
of common infections are spread by hands. Disinfecting commonly touched
surfaces helps to reduce the spread of harmful germs by our hands but as because
germs grow rapidly it would require manual and repeated disinfection. Current
disinfectants may also contain chemicals like triclosan which are not
recognized as safe and effective and may lead to bacterial resistance and
environmental contamination if used extensively. To
tackle this problem researchers of the Institute of Bioengineering and
Nanotechnology created a novel nano-coating that can spontaneously kill
bacteria upon contact. They grew nanopillars of zinc oxide, a compound known
for its anti-bacterial and non-toxic properties. The zinc oxide nanopillars can
kill a broad range of germs like E. coli and S. aureus that
are commonly transmitted from surface contact.
Tests on ceramic, glass, titanium and zinc surfaces
showed that the coating effectively killed up to 99.9% of germs found on the
surfaces. As the bacteria are killed mechanically rather than chemically, the
use of the nano coating would not contribute to environmental pollution. Also,
the bacteria will not be able to develop resistance as they are completely destroyed
when their cell walls are pierced by the nanopillars upon contact.
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Source: Nano Magazine
