Researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have created a nanotextured surface that kills bacteria while not harming mammalian cells. In addition to the anti-bacterial effects, the nanotexturing also appears to improve corrosion resistance. The findings were reported in the December 12 issue of the journal ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering.
If additional research supports early test results, the process might even be used to attack microbial contamination on implantable medical devices and on food processing equipment made with the metal.
The specific mechanism by which the nanotextured material kills bacteria needs more study, the researchers believe that tiny spikes and other nano-protrusions created on the surface puncture bacterial membranes to kill the bugs. The surface structures dont appear to have a similar effect on mammalian cells, which are an order of magnitude larger than the bacteria.
This surface treatment has potentially broad-ranging implications because stainless steel is so widely used and so many of the applications could benefit, said Julie Champion, an associate professor in Georgia Techs School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. A lot of the antimicrobial approaches currently being used add some sort of surface film, which can wear off. Because we are actually modifying the steel itself that should be a permanent change to the material.
Pictured: An untreated stainless steel sample (left) and a sample that has been electrochemically treated to create a nanotextured surface.
Image courtesy of Rob Felt, Georgia Tech