University breakthrough could help fight infections in hospitals and care homes

ACADEMICS IN Yorkshire have created antibacterial three-dimensional printed parts which could help stop the spread of infections in hospitals and care homes

Adding antibacterial properties at the manufacturing stage will provide a step-change in the utilisation of 3D printing technologies, the University of Sheffield said.

Researchers from the university say it is the first time, manufactured 3D printed parts that show resistance to common bacteria have been created. This could stop the spread of infections such as MRSA in hospitals and care homes, saving the lives of vulnerable patients.

The World Health Organisation has said that a growing number of infections are becoming resistant to antibiotics.

The findings offer the potential for applications in a range of areas, including medical devices, parts for hospitals which are subject to significant human contact, door handles or children’s toys, dentures and consumer products, such as mobile phone cases.

Further projects are planned in each of these areas, with an aim to work with leaders in industry and the potential to bring some of these products to market.

Dr Candice Majewski, lead academic on the project, who works in the Centre for Advanced Additive Manufacturing in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield, said: “Managing the spread of harmful bacteria, infection and the increasing resistance to antibiotics is a global concern.

“Introducing antibacterial protection to products and devices at the point of manufacture could be an essential tool in this fight.”

Products such as medical devices are often already coated with an antibacterial compound but they must be cleaned regularly and the coating must not be damaged.

Dr Bob Turner, from the university’s Department of Computer Science, said this technology could be an important step forward.