July 29, 2010

 

Chinese researchers develop E. coli inhibitor

Shanghai University researchers have created two water-based dispersible graphene derivatives, which can inhibit the growth of E. coli and that have minimal toxic effects on harming cells (cytotoxicity).

 

Graphene is a monolayer of carbon atoms packed tightly inside a two-dimensional crystal. This nanomaterial has "very high material stiffness," said Chunhai Fan and the other researchers in their study.

 

The research analysed grapheme oxide (GO) and lessened grapheme oxide (rGO) nanosheets for their antibacterial aspects and ease of manufacture.

 

In terms of the relations between GO and bacterial and mammalian cells, Chunhai's team said their work demonstrated the "excellent antibacterial activity and minimal cytotoxicity of GO sheets."

 

They also found that macroscopic antibacterial grapheme-based paper can be "conveniently fabricated with superior inhibition ability to bacteria growth". These properties imply that this technology could supply carbon nanomaterials that are green, cheap and highly efficient.

 

The scientists examined the antibacterial properties of the GO sheets with E.coli DH5 cells using a luciferase-based ATP assay kit.

 

"Given the superior antibacterial effect of GO nanosheets and the fact that GO nanosheets can be mass-produced and easily processed to make free-standing and flexible paper with low cost, we expect this new carbon nanomaterial could offer new opportunities for the development of antibacterial materials," the researchers concluded.