Researchers develop crack-enabled antibacterial coating to fight drug-resistant bacteria-Xinhua - 新华网

CANBERRA, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- Researchers in Australia have developed an antibacterial coating that uses tiny cracks and a small electrical charge to kill drug-resistant bacteria, potentially paving the way for new infection-fighting medical devices.

They have found that carefully controlled microscopic cracks, traditionally regarded as defects in engineering, can enhance the performance of an antibacterial coating that helps destroy dangerous bacteria when activated by a small electrical charge, according to a statement released Thursday by Australia's Flinders University.

The flexible coating, developed by an international team led by Flinders University, combines liquid gallium, a metal that melts near room temperature, with carbon nanotubes. As the coating dries, microscopic cracks naturally form across its surface, creating electrical hotspots that appear to amplify its power to kill bacteria, the statement said.

The findings, published in Small Structures, could lead to smart wound dressings and wearable devices that monitor health while protecting against infection, it said. ■