'Black Silicon' Kills Harmful Bacteria Without Damaging Human Cells
References: digitaltrends
'Black Silicon,' a medical technology advancement from researchers at Swinburne University of Technology, could drastically improve the safety of surgically implanted medical equipment.
When a medical device like a pacemaker is inserted in a patient, the patient's cells look to push up against the surface of the device. However, bacteria does the same, and if too much bacteria ends up on the device, it can cause complications. Black Silicon is a nanosurface that kills bacteria without affecting human cells, preventing such complications from accruing.
The Black Silicon kills bacteria by using microscopic "nails" that are a fraction of the size of even a human cell. Since bacteria cells are far smaller than human cells, they get punctured and destroyed by the nails while the human cells are left unscathed.
When a medical device like a pacemaker is inserted in a patient, the patient's cells look to push up against the surface of the device. However, bacteria does the same, and if too much bacteria ends up on the device, it can cause complications. Black Silicon is a nanosurface that kills bacteria without affecting human cells, preventing such complications from accruing.
The Black Silicon kills bacteria by using microscopic "nails" that are a fraction of the size of even a human cell. Since bacteria cells are far smaller than human cells, they get punctured and destroyed by the nails while the human cells are left unscathed.
Trend Themes
1. Antimicrobial Nanosurfaces - The development of antimicrobial nanosurfaces offers disruptive innovation opportunities by providing a solution to prevent complications caused by bacterial contamination in medical devices.
2. Bio-compatible Materials - The advancement of bio-compatible materials such as Black Silicon opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for the medical industry by improving the safety and effectiveness of surgically implanted medical equipment.
3. Nanotechnology in Healthcare - The integration of nanotechnology in healthcare presents disruptive innovation opportunities by revolutionizing the prevention and treatment of infections, enhancing patient outcomes, and reducing healthcare-associated costs.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Devices - The medical devices industry can leverage the use of Black Silicon and other antimicrobial nanosurfaces to enhance patient safety and reduce complications caused by bacterial contamination.
2. Biomaterials - The biomaterials industry can explore the development of bio-compatible materials like Black Silicon to enable the creation of safer and more efficient medical devices.
3. Nanotechnology - The nanotechnology industry can contribute to the advancement of healthcare by developing innovative nanosurfaces and applications that combat bacterial infections and improve patient care.
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