by Brianna Crandall — March 14, 2016—Research shows graphene oxide has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is effective against four important human pathogens, according to an article on the Physics World Web site.
A promising application of this research for healthcare facilities is that coating medical instruments and devices in the carbon-based material could help to reduce infections, as well as reduce both antibiotic use and resistance.
Although the substance’s antimicrobial properties had been previously reported, test results were contradictory, said the researchers. This study looked at how the size and concentration of graphene oxide sheets affects its antimicrobial action.
The researchers said graphene oxide can be mixed with biocompatible polymers to make an antibacterial coating suitable for medical equipment susceptible to bacterial colonization.
“Tapping into graphene-oxide’s antibacterial properties to fight infections” is available on the Physics World Web site.
