The polymer prevents the formation of bacterial biofilm, reducing the risk of infections that cause numerous deaths each year. According to the team, it achieves this without the need for antibiotics or other toxic diffusible agents.
The anti-biofilm polymer is said to have been created to unique specifications that allow it to be used as a plastic construction material. Furthermore, the material can be applied as a spray coating, dipping process or by utilising 3D printing techniques.
The development of the Bactigon/KELT-7 polymer will enable manufacturers to build-in anti-biofilm properties into their existing product line, ensuring that water systems remain biofilm free and prevent infections to end-users.
Unlike silver and zinc additive solutions that often lose their benefits when immersed in water, Bactigon/KELT-7 prevents bacterial pathogen biofilm growth when submerged in water.
In a statement, Derek Irvine, professor of materials chemistry in the Faculty of Engineering, said: “[The collaboration] is allowing us to develop some of our paradigm changing fundamental research into real world impact, thus allowing us to deliver societal benefits from the investment made into Nottingham’s research by the EPSRC, Wellcome Trust and Angel Guard. It is a very strong example of how knowledge transfer and exchange with industry can have benefits for people all over the world.”
A key challenge in the development of the material was finding an anti-biofilm polymer that could withstand high temperatures in-line with current hot cleaning procedures. The new polymer, with anti-biofilm and durable properties, was designed and shown to be able to coat o-rings used in potable water systems using a dip-coating procedure.
Jonathan Waggott, managing director of Angel Guard, said, “The partnership between our organisations has produced something that is not only very much needed in the healthcare and plumbing sector but could see massive changes to public health worldwide.”
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