Breakthrough in fight against superbugs
Published: December 6, 2006
A SOUTH Yorkshire paint company has devised a ground-breaking varnish which could help in the battle against hospital superbugs. [Attack Of The Superbugs: The Crisis Of Drug-resistant Diseases]
When painted on hospital walls the solution, called ‘Easy-on’, kills all bacteria - meaning it could help prevent the spread of infections such as MRSA.
Experts from Sheffield Hallam University have been carrying out tests on the coating, developed in Doncaster by paint company Urban Hygiene.
Roy Johnson, the firm’s director, said the coating was a major breakthrough in the fight against MRSA.
“Hospital walls are potential breeding grounds for bacteria, and it’s a fact that the more surfaces we clean, the fewer bacteria there will be to contribute towards the spread of infection,” he said.
The liquid was tested at Hallam University’s Biomedical Research Centre. Experts found 100 per cent of bacteria was removed from surfaces protected with Easy-on when cleaned with a detergent.
But all seven species of bacteria survived on surfaces coated with acrylic paint, and more than half lingered on areas coated with emulsion.
Dr Justine Daniels from the university said: “Easy-on forms an inert surface that stops bacteria colonising and multiplying.
“Minimising the risk of hospital acquired infections is vital, and the use of this coating could be a real help in achieving that.”
If you enjoyed this good news Subscribe to Good News Blog
Share this
To share this simply copy and paste one of the below URL's: