Method enables development of bacteria-resistant surfaces

By introducing silver or copper into the steel surface (rather than coating it onto the surface), the researchers claim to have developed a technique that not only kills bacteria but that is very hard and resistant to wear and tear during cleaning.

According to a statement, bacteria-resistant surfaces could be used in hospitals to prevent the spread of superbug infections on stainless steels surfaces, as well as in medical equipment such as instruments and implants. They would also be of use to the food industry and in domestic kitchens.

The team is said to have developed a novel surface alloying technology using active screen plasma (ASP) with a purpose-designed composite or hybrid metal screen.

The combination of sputtering, back deposition and diffusion allows the introduction of silver into a stainless steel surface, along with nitrogen and carbon. The silver acts as the bacteria-killing agent and the nitrogen and carbon make the stainless steel much harder and more durable.