New Nanotechnology may fight 'superbugs'

New nanotechnology paints to cover surfaces such as walls and ceilings may be used in future to kill hospital superbugs by simply switching on fluorescent lights. So say scientists speaking at the Society for General Microbiology's Autumn meeting held at Trinity College, Dublin.

This is how it works: The new paints contain small particles of titanium dioxide - a white compound that is often used as a brightener in commercial paints. Scientists have discovered that very small, nanoparticle-sized amounts of titanium dioxide are able to kill bacteria, as well as destroy dirt, when ultraviolet light (UV) energy from the sun is shone on the particles. The particles do this by producing active molecules that clean up the painted surfaces. In completed tests, scientists have found that if the concentration of nanoparticles are stronger than in normal paint, the titanium dioxide becomes more successful at killing bacteria than in normal paint.

Some of the best results showed that all the E. coli were killed under ordinary fluorescent lights. Scientists say this new nano-technology may be put to good use in places such as hospitals where hygenic conditions are very important. Titanium dioxide is also used on tennis courts such as Wimbledon to mark out the white lines.