Enzyme-Containing Nanocoating Kills MRSA on Contact

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a nanocoating which kills methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria on impact. They used carbon nanotube-enzyme conjugates with lysostaphin, an enzyme that degrades the bacteria’s cell wall, connected by a short flexible polymer link. The coating killed bacteria in a solution with an effectiveness of over 99% within two hours. Because of the nanocomposite, none of the enzyme is released from the coating, this in contrast with other antibiotic containing solutions. The bacterial cell contents disperse and can be easily washed from the surface. Additionally it is reusable and stable under dry storage conditions. The conjugate can be mixed with other surface finishes such as ordinary latex paint. It could be used for surgical equipment, hospital walls and other surfaces in the hospital.
Press release: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Researchers Develop Coating That Safely Kills MRSA on Contact…
Article abstract: Antistaphylococcal Nanocomposite Films Based on Enzyme-Nanotube Conjugates…