IIT Madras innovation targets antimicrobial resistance

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has patented a chemical-free antibacterial surface designed to physically destroy harmful bacteria without antibiotics, disinfectants, radiation or antimicrobial chemicals.

The technology uses specially engineered nanoscale structures that rupture bacterial cell walls when they come into contact with the surface. Researchers say the approach could offer a new way to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing global health concern in which bacteria become resistant to conventional treatments.

Developed by researchers in IIT Madras’ Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, the surface is fabricated on flexible, implant-grade silicone using a customised low-pressure plasma process known as Reactive Ion Etching.

The process creates dense arrays of nanoscale “nanograss” structures capable of mechanically damaging bacterial cells. Researchers also identified a stiff surface layer formed during the plasma treatment that helps transfer mechanical forces to bacteria and enhances the bactericidal effect.

Tests against three bacterial species showed strong antibacterial activity and more than 68 per cent inhibition of biofilm formation. At the same time, the surfaces remained compatible with mammalian cells, with fibroblast tests recording up to 91 per cent cell viability.

The findings, published in ACS Applied Biomaterials, were supported by computational modelling to determine the nanostructure dimensions required to rupture bacterial cells.

Researchers said the technology could potentially be used in medical implants, urinary catheters, wound-care products, hospital equipment, pharmaceutical packaging and high-contact public surfaces.

The team said its purely mechanical mechanism could reduce concerns over chemical leaching and the development of bacterial resistance. 

with inputs from PTI