The human race may have scored another point in the ongoing fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden discovered a way to control graphene’s bactericidal properties. 

Graphene, an atomically thin graphite material, has long been the focus of research at Chalmers University of Technology. The research team has previously exhibited the ability of vertically standing graphene flakes to repel bacteria, preventing them from attaching to the substrate. 

They aim to develop graphene-based ultra-thin antibacterial materials that can be applied on the surface of biomedical devices, surgical surfaces, and implants, preventing bacterial attachment and reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance. While a success in the laboratory, this process proved challenging in the real world.

However, all this changed when the researchers found a practical solution using magnets. Roland Kádár, Professor of Rheology at Chalmers University of Technology, explained:

“We have managed to find a way to control the effects of graphene practically in several different directions and with a very high level of uniformity of the orientation. This new orientation method makes it possible to integrate graphene nanoplates into medical plastic surfaces and get an antibacterial surface that kills 99.99% of the bacteria that try to attach. This paves the way for significantly greater flexibility when you want to manufacture bacteria-killing medical devices using graphene.”

As featured in Advanced Functional Materials, the researchers applied the “Halbach array” technique, strategically organizing magnets in a circular pattern to achieve consistent graphene orientation, significantly enhancing bactericidal efficacy on surfaces regardless of shape.

Viney Ghai, researcher in Rheology and Processing of Soft Matter at Chalmers University of Technology, said:

“This is the first time the Halbach array method has been used to orient graphene in a polymer nanocomposite. Now that we have seen the results, of course we want these graphene plates to get introduced in the healthcare sector so that we can reduce the number of healthcare-related infections, reduce suffering for patients and counteract antibiotic resistance.”

Besides benefiting the healthcare industry, this new technology can also be used in various applications, such as batteries, supercapacitors, sensors, and water-resistant packaging materials.

Read the full article here to learn more about controlling graphene using the Halbach array method.

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