backtop

Print 9 comment(s) - last by Ammohunt.. on Jan 25 at 11:11 AM
Researchers targeted MRSA to start with

When you think of the name IBM, odds are you're think of technology such as computers and microchips. However, IBM recently announced a new hydrogel that has antibacterial properties that was born from its extensive semiconductor research.
 
You may now be wondering why we need new antibacterial substances considering all of the sanitizers and antibacterial items on the market today. The problem in the medical field is that the proliferation of antibacterial wipes, gels, and coatings is resulting in highly resistant bacteria in some instances.
 
IBM says that of all the antibacterial products on the market today, most only target common germs and use ethanol as a key ingredient. The problem with ethanol is that it evaporates after a very short time leaving it unable to provide lasting protection. Likewise, solutions that contain alcohol or bleach are toxic to human skin.


Healthy MRSA biofilm (L) is destroyed by IBM's hydrogel (R). [Image Source: IBM]

IBM researchers were able to develop what they call ninja polymers, which were tested on a highly drug-resistant strain of bacteria called MRSA. These polymers are able to move quickly to infected cells in the body, destroy the harmful content inside, and then disappear by biodegrading without damaging healthy cells in the area.
 
IBM's new hydrogel is a long-lasting substance that is biocompatible and non-toxic to humans, and is biodegradable. The company believes that the material could eventually be applied to surfaces in medical facilities, diagnostic instruments, and even medical implants.

Source: IBM


Comments     Threshold


This article is over a month old, voting and posting comments is disabled
No wonder.
By gmyx on 1/24/2013 10:36:20 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
You may now be wondering why we need new antibacterial substances considering all of the sanitizers and antibacterial items on the market today.

Because there are people like my daughter who can't use these products (Purrel an co.) as they literally burn their skin.

No joke, try being allergic to *nol based products. Now try being a kid in a germaphobic (sp?) world and school and allergic to these products.

Fortunately, the Purrel craze has subsided somewhat. At one point they were enforcing every child to 'sanitize' daily their hands. Many had developed skin issues and we forced them to stop when our older sun (who is not allergic) had his hands so irritated he could not touch water. (This was before my daughter started school - one application to her hands and they would be 1st degree burnt)




RE: No wonder.
By Zok on 1/24/2013 1:26:38 PM , Rating: 2
Where is our younger sun?


RE: No wonder.
By Ammohunt on 1/24/2013 2:43:18 PM , Rating: 2
Perhaps Jupiter is Sol's younger sun.


RE: No wonder.
By boobo on 1/25/2013 12:30:51 AM , Rating: 2
No, the latest research indicates that they formed at about the same time and the large planets' gravitation actually helped the star gain enough mass to ignite. Therefore, the youngest sun must be shy and keep out of sight.


RE: No wonder.
By Ammohunt on 1/25/2013 11:11:06 AM , Rating: 2
This is tough! what is the next nearest Sun that is younger than Sol? Perhaps on in the Alpha Centauri system?


RE: No wonder.
By inighthawki on 1/24/2013 4:09:22 PM , Rating: 2
Where exactly do you live? The only places I've ever seen people "required" to sanitize their hands like that include animal shelters and hospitals. Even at placesof work the requirement is usually limited to "employees must wash their hands."


"We basically took a look at this situation and said, this is bullshit." -- Newegg Chief Legal Officer Lee Cheng's take on patent troll Soverain











botimage
Copyright 2013 DailyTech LLC. - RSS Feed | Advertise | About Us | Ethics | FAQ | Terms, Conditions & Privacy Information | Kristopher Kubicki