Research shows graphene oxide has antibacterial and antifungal properties and is effective against four important human pathogens, according to an article on the Physics World website.
Coating medical instruments and devices in the carbon-based material could help to reduce infections.
The study looked at how the size and concentration of graphene-oxide sheets affects its antimicrobial action.
The researchers said graphene oxide can be mixed with biocompatible polymers to make an antibacterial coating suitable for medical equipment susceptible to bacterial colonization.
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