Microcapsules help kill harmful bacteria
Researchers in New Mexico and Florida are reporting development of microscopic particles that trap and kill up to 95% of nearby bacteria, including microbes responsible for worrisome hospital-based infections.
The scientists describe their discovery as micro-sized "roach motels" for harmful bacteria. David G. Whitten of the University of New Mexico and Kirk S. Schanze of the University of Florida, working together with a team of faculty and graduate student collaborators, point out that bacterial contamination of medical devices causes up to 1.4m deaths per year. In addition, bacteria are becoming more resistant to standard disinfection methods. Scientists also are increasingly concerned about the possibility