Image Description: Copper nanoparticle coating on surgical gloves using Nikalyte, enhancing antimicrobial properties for superior E. coli eradication.
Industry: Healthcare / Nanotechnology / Antimicrobial Solutions
Challenge:
The client sought to enhance the antimicrobial properties of surgical gloves to combat E. coli infections. They needed a solution that would improve the gloves’ ability to eradicate harmful bacteria without compromising comfort or performance. The aim was to develop a more effective antimicrobial coating that could provide superior protection compared to existing technologies, such as traditional Cu thin films.
Solution:
Nikalyte successfully developed a copper nanoparticle (Cu NP) coating using our Terminated Gas Condensation technology integrated with the NL UHV system. The project involved the deposition of Cu nanoparticles onto surgical gloves, creating a highly effective antimicrobial surface. Our technology allowed for the precise control of nanoparticle size and distribution, ensuring the most effective solution for combatting E. coli infections.
Results:
The results were remarkable: surgical gloves coated with Cu nanoparticles demonstrated a significantly higher rate of E. coli eradication compared to both Cu thin film-coated gloves and bare gloves. The small size of the copper nanoparticles allowed them to penetrate E. coli cells, altering their shape and disrupting the plasma membrane of the bacteria. This interaction compromised the biofilm integrity, leading to the eradication of the bacteria.
Key Finding: The antimicrobial activity of Cu NPs was found to be strongly influenced by their size. The smaller the nanoparticle, the more effective it was at disrupting bacterial cell walls and preventing biofilm formation. This discovery underscores the critical role of nanoparticle size in enhancing the antimicrobial properties of coatings.
Note: Full details of the project and results are confidential, protected under an NDA.
Interested in harnessing the power of nanotechnology to improve the antimicrobial properties of your products?
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