Germs are everywhere; even the surfaces that appear to be the cleanest aren’t spared.
Thanks to a team of researchers at McMaster University that has developed a self-cleaning surface that can repel all forms of bacteria.
This innovative development could be used to prevent transfer of antibiotic resistant superbugs, and other forms of dangerous bacteria. Transparent plastic wrap is made of plastic and it looks similar to a cling wrap.
Self-cleaning surface will be of great help in hospitals and kitchens. It is ideal for packaging food or insulating surfaces which are vulnerable to contamination.
It can also be shrink-wrapped. So it can be used on a variety of objects like door handles, railings and other surfaces that can be magnets for disease causing bacteria.
More about this self cleaning material:
It is inspired by the water-repellant properties of a lotus leaf. Surface has a microscopic texture with wrinkles, preventing bacteria from sticking on the surface, on a molecular level.
Researchers tested it against the most troublesome antibiotic-resistant bacteria or superbugs, which is a major concern in hospitals and nursing homes.
To verify the affectivity, the team used electron microscope images of the material. They found that almost no bacteria can be transferred onto the wrap’s surface.
Tohid Didar, developer of self-cleaning wrap, said, “We can see this technology being used in all kinds of institutional and domestic settings,” “As the world confronts the crisis of anti-microbial resistance, we hope it will become an important part of the anti-bacterial toolbox.”
