Antibacterial graphene halts growth of biofilms

Laser-induced graphene (LIG) is a spongy version of graphene that was developed three years ago in the Rice University lab of chemist James Tour. To create LIG, a sheet of polyimide sheet is burnt partway through with a laser, which turns the surface into a lattice of interconnected graphene sheets.

The researchers have since suggested uses for the material in wearable electronics and fuel cells and for superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic surfaces.

According to their report in the American Chemical Society's ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, LIG also protects surfaces from biofouling, the buildup of microorganisms, plants or other biological material on wet surfaces.

"This form of graphene is extremely resistant to biofilm formation, which has promise for places like water-treatment plants, oil-drilling operations, hospitals and ocean applications like underwater pipes that are sensitive to fouling," Tour said in a statement. "The antibacterial qualities when electricity is applied is a great additional benefit."