Bacteria-killing gel heals itself while healing you

[Judi Lynn]

July 25, 2019

HAMILTON, ON July 25, 2019 - McMaster researchers have developed a novel new gel made entirely from bacteria-killing viruses.

The anti-bacterial gel, which can be targeted to attack specific forms of bacteria, holds promise for numerous beneficial applications in medicine and environmental protection.

Among many possibilities, it could be used as an antibacterial coating for implants and artificial joints, as a sterile growth scaffold for human tissue, or in environmental cleanup operations, says chemical engineer Zeinab Hosseini-Doust.

Her lab, which specializes in developing engineering solutions for infectious disease, grew, extracted and packed together so many of the viruses - called bacteriophages, or simply phages - that they assembled themselves spontaneously into liquid crystals and, with the help of a chemical binder, formed into a gelatin-like substance that can heal itself when cut.

More:
https://www.brightsurf.com/news/article/072519488520/bacteria-killing-gel-heals-itself-while-healing-you.html

[bronxiteforever]

1. This is really neat! Kick and recommend.

[Glorfindel]

2. Fantastic stuff. Happy to kick and recommend this post!

Thanks, Judi Lynn!

[Judi Lynn]

4. First time I've heard of it. Thank you, Glorfindel. n/t

[dlk]

3. Very Interesting Post - Thanks for Sharing

Science is amazing!

[Judi Lynn]

5. Thank you, dlk. n/t

[Massacure]

6. The Soviet Union did a lot of work with bacteriophages.

The Soviets used various phage cocktails to treat gangrene and dysentery during World War II, while the Western Allies used Penicillin once it became available in 1942. During the Cold War, Soviet scientist did a lot more research on phages than the West and the Western World did a lot more research on antibiotics than the Soviet Bloc.

[Judi Lynn]

7. Had no idea. Thank you for sharing this information, Massacure.

Never knew, not at all. Good to hear it here.

[dixiegrrrrl]

8. Fascinating.....thank you for that bit of history. n/t