Plastics: The Unexpected Superbug Slayer
May 2023
University of Nottingham

Introduction
Imagine a world where hospital superbugs meet their match, not in a superhero, but in a material! Scientists at the University of Nottingham have cooked up a game-changing antimicrobial coating that can take down notorious bacteria and viruses, including the dreaded MRSA and Covid-19. By giving a common disinfectant a new twist, they've turned everyday plastics into bacteria-busting heroes. Dive into the details of this groundbreaking research and discover how a dental cleaner might just save the day in hospitals worldwide.
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Battling the Bugs - Why Superbugs Should Worry Us and How Science Fights Back
Imagine a world where a simple hospital visit could result in a life-threatening infection that no medicine could cure. This isn't a scene from a sci-fi movie but a real-world issue that scientists are tackling head-on. The development of materials that can kill bacteria, including the dreaded superbugs, is not just cool science; it's a global health lifeline. These superbugs are resistant to most antibiotics and pose a significant threat in hospitals worldwide. The innovative use of common disinfectants to create antimicrobial coatings on plastics—a material abundant in medical settings—offers a glimmer of hope. This breakthrough could dramatically reduce the risk of infections in hospitals, saving lives and preventing the spread of diseases like Covid-19 within these facilities. It's a prime example of how understanding and applying science can have a direct impact on our health and well-being, potentially safeguarding us against future pandemics.
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Antimicrobial
Substances that kill or stop the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)
A type of bacteria that is resistant to several widely used antibiotics, making it particularly difficult to treat.

Polymer
Large molecules composed of many repeated subunits, used in a wide array of products, from plastics to DNA.

Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS)
A sophisticated imaging technique that allows scientists to analyze the surface of a material at the molecular level.

Chlorhexidine
A disinfectant and antiseptic used for skin disinfection before surgery and to sterilize surgical instruments.

Horizontal gene transfer
The movement of genetic material between unicellular and/or multicellular organisms other than by the ("vertical") transmission of DNA from parent to offspring.
Independent Research Ideas

The role of polymers in healthcare
Investigate how different polymers are used in medical devices and hospital settings, and their impact on patient safety and care.

Evolution of hospital-acquired infections
Explore the history and evolution of infections acquired in hospital settings, focusing on how practices and technologies have adapted over time to combat these risks.

Antimicrobial resistance and global health
Delve into the causes of antimicrobial resistance, its implications for global health, and the strategies being developed to combat this growing threat.

The science of disinfectants
Examine how common disinfectants like chlorhexidine work at a molecular level and their effectiveness against various pathogens.

Innovative materials for infection control
Research the development and application of new materials designed to control the spread of infections, including how these materials can be integrated into existing medical products and environments.
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