Researchers have developed a self-cleaning plastic wrap that repels bacteria — and could be used to prevent the transfer of antibiotic resistant superbugs, and other forms of dangerous bacteria.
A team of scientists from Canada’s McMaster University used a combination of nano-scale surface engineering and chemistry to develop a plastic surface — a treated form of transparent wrap — which repels all kinds of bacteria.
The coating, inspired by water-resistant lotus leaves, is textured with microscopic “wrinkles” that block out external molecules and are chemically treated, meaning that water, blood or bacteria bounce away when they come into contact with the surface.
The plastic covering can be shrink wrapped onto surfaces that are considered common breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA — such as door handles, railings and IV stands.
Read more on CNN.com.