Antibacterial bioactive glass dramatically reduces microbial resistance to antibiotics

A novel technique could decrease resistance to antibiotics with a bacteria-killing bioactive glass that reduces infections.

Scientists at Aston University have discovered a new method that significantly increases the antimicrobial properties of a material utilised in many medical devices such as catheters and clinical surfaces – bioactive glass. Thus, reducing the prevalence of bacterial infections and subsequently, mitigating the increasing rate of resistance to antibiotics.

Resistance to antibiotics is a significant burden to the global healthcare system; many bacteria that cause infections such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, is becoming increasingly resistant to treatment. Therefore, the requirement for new methods to prevent infections is urgently needed.