MRSA-Killing Paint Created

[n2doc]

ScienceDaily (Aug. 17, 2010) — Building on an enzyme found in nature, researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have created a nanoscale coating for surgical equipment, hospital walls, and other surfaces which safely eradicates methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), the bacteria responsible for antibiotic resistant infections.

"We're building on nature," said Jonathan S. Dordick, the Howard P. Isermann Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, and director of Rensselaer's Center for Biotechnology & Interdisciplinary Studies. "Here we have a system where the surface contains an enzyme that is safe to handle, doesn't appear to lead to resistance, doesn't leach into the environment, and doesn't clog up with cell debris. The MRSA bacteria come in contact with the surface, and they're killed."

In tests, 100 percent of MRSA in solution were killed within 20 minutes of contact with a surface painted with latex paint laced with the coating.

The new coating marries carbon nanotubes with lysostaphin, a naturally occurring enzyme used by non-pathogenic strains of Staph bacteria to defend against Staphylococcus aureus, including MRSA. The resulting nanotube-enzyme "conjugate" can be mixed with any number of surface finishes -- in tests, it was mixed with ordinary latex house paint.

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http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/08/100816142114.htm

[jaxx]

1. This could make a huge difference in spreading MRSA.

I hope they move along with this.

[cliffordu]

2. Too bad they can't make a bandage out of the stuff.

[global1]

3. On The Same Link Above Click On The Link To An Article On Bacteria Killing Bandage......

this is really good information in our quest to prevent hospital acquired infections. Some good info on this site.

[cliffordu]

4. Got it, thanks!!!!