By using an electrochemical etching process on a common stainless steel alloy, researchers have created a nanotextured surface that kills bacteria, according to an article on the Infection Control Today website.
The researchers believe tiny spikes and other nano-protrusions created on the surface puncture bacterial membranes to kill the bugs.
Beyond the anti-bacterial effects, the nano-texturing also appears to improve corrosion resistance.
The research was reported Dec. 12, 2017, in the journal ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering by researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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