Edinburgh scientists' breakthrough in battle against superbugs

Published on Thursday 19 November 2009 09:14

A DEVELOPMENT at Edinburgh University could help health chiefs tackle hospital superbugs.

Scientists have created a chemical that mimics the body's natural ability to fight bacteria.

It is hoped that this could eventually be added to detergents and lead to a drop in the number of C.diff and MRSA infections.

The compound works in a similar way to the body's immune system, trapping and releasing the gas nitric oxide.

The university's Professor Adriano Rossi, who directed the study, said: "Immune cells within our body release nitric oxide when targeting bugs.

"Creating a material that can trap and then release nitric oxide gas means that we are able to kill bugs on surfaces.

"We hope that in the future the material we have developed could be used in surface disinfectants.

"Alternatively, we could place the material on bandages or medical instruments so that moisture from an open wound would release the gas, meaning that the bugs would be killed off before they have a chance of entering the body."