A major scientific breakthrough has been achieved by Swedish researchers in exploiting the antibacterial properties of graphene for medical applications. The implications of this discovery could radically transform the approach to nosocomial infections and antibiotic resistance.
Graphene: a promising material against resistant bacteria
Graphene, a two-dimensional material made up of a single layer of carbon atoms, has remarkable bactericidal properties. Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have managed to exploit this potential using technology similar to that of refrigerator magnets. The result is an ultra-thin surfacecomparable to that of an acupuncture needle, which eliminates 99.99% of bacteria present when applied as a coating on catheters and implants.
Professor Ivan Mijakovic, a systems biologist at Chalmers University of Technology and co-author of the study, commented on his method: ” An ultra-thin graphene-based antibacterial material is being developed by our team. It can be applied to any surface, including biomedical devices, surgical surfaces, and implants to eliminate bacteria. Graphene physically prevents bacteria from attaching to a surface, which has the added benefit of not risking increasing antibiotic resistance, unlike other chemical alternatives, such as antibiotics. »
Controlled orientation for optimal efficiency
Until now, the orientation of graphene sheets was only controlled in one specific direction: that of the manufacturing process flow. Chalmers researchers have overcome this obstacle by developing an innovative orientation method.
Professor Roland Kádár, an expert in rheology at Chalmers University of Technology, added: “ A new method has been developed to control the effects of graphene in several different directions with a very high level of orientation uniformity. This approach allows graphene nanoplatelets to be integrated into medical plastic surfaces and to obtain an antibacterial surface that eliminates 99.99% of bacteria attempting to attach to it. This greatly increases the flexibility for manufacturing antibacterial medical devices using graphene.”
Halbach Network Technology in the Service of Medicine
The method used by the researchers is based on the “Halbach array” technology. Earth magnets are arranged in a circular pattern, creating a uniform magnetic field inside the array. This configuration makes it possible to induce a uniform orientation of the graphene and achieve a very high bactericidal effect on surfaces of any shape.
Viney Ghai, a researcher in rheology and soft materials processing at Chalmers University of Technology, explained: ” The use of the Halbach lattice method to orient graphene in a polymer nanocomposite is a first. The results obtained encourage us to hope for the introduction of these graphene plates in the health sector. The objective is to reduce the number of healthcare-related infections, reduce patient suffering and counter antibiotic resistance.”
Potential applications in various fields
This new orientation technology has significant potential in other sectors, including batteries, supercapacitors, sensors and sustainable and water-resistant packaging materials.
Professor Roland Kádár concluded: “ The impact of this method is considerable in these fields. It opens new possibilities in the alignment of materials, offering a powerful tool for the design and customization of nanostructures that reproduce the complex architectures observed in natural systems.”
For a better understanding
What is graphene and why is it important in the fight against bacteria?
Graphene is a two-dimensional material composed of a single layer of carbon atoms. It has remarkable bactericidal properties, meaning it can kill bacteria. Its importance lies in its ability to eliminate bacteria without the use of antibiotics, thereby reducing the risk of developing antibiotic resistance. In addition, its ultra-thin structure allows it to be applied to various medical surfaces.
How does the new graphene orientation method developed by Swedish researchers work?
The new method uses the “Halbach array” technology, which involves arranging terrestrial magnets in a circular pattern. This configuration creates a uniform magnetic field that allows graphene sheets to be oriented in multiple directions with a high level of uniformity. This controlled orientation allows graphene to achieve its full bactericidal potential on surfaces of any shape.
What are the advantages of this technology over traditional antibacterial methods?
This technology has several advantages. It eliminates 99.99% of bacteria on a surface. It does not use antibiotics, thus reducing the risk of bacterial resistance. It can be applied to various medical surfaces, including catheters and implants. It acts physically against bacteria, preventing them from attaching to surfaces. Finally, it offers a sustainable and long-term solution for the fight against nosocomial infections.
What are the potential applications of this technology beyond the medical field?
Although primarily developed for the medical sector, this graphene orientation technology has significant potential in other areas. It could improve the performance and lifespan of batteries. In the field of supercapacitors, it could increase energy storage capacity. It could also contribute to the development of more sensitive and precise sensors. In the packaging industry, it could enable the creation of durable and water-resistant packaging. Finally, in the electronics industry, it could improve the conductive properties of materials.
Illustration caption: An illustration of how very sharp graphene flakes align on a surface and can kill bacteria without damaging healthy human cells. Bactericidal graphene surfaces developed at Chalmers University of Technology could soon be used in medical devices thanks to a completely new method that uses fridge magnet technology to control graphene’s bactericidal effects. Credit: Yen Sandqvist
Article: “Achieving Long-Range Arbitrary Uniform Alignment of Nanostructures in Magnetic Fields” -DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202406875
