TOMSK, Mar 29 – RIA Tomsk. Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) found a way to modify gold nanoparticles of a special star-shaped
form in a way that they kill bacteria under the influence of a laser;
nanoparticles can be included in composition of medical materials, for example,
in operating tables, the press service of the university said on Wednesday.
It is specified that particles of gold themselves, which for an unusual form
are called "star-shaped", and methods of their synthesis were
described earlier. Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University together with
colleagues from University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague could modify
their surface so that they interacted with membranes of cells better, and also
showed the antibacterial properties of these nanoparticles.
"Organic compounds on the surface of the particles allow them to attach
better to the membrane. The physics of the process then comes into the play:
the laser excites a plasmon resonance, and nanoparticles begin to burn cellular
membrane, destroying bacterium", – the associate professor of the
Department of Technology of Organic Substances and Polymer Materials TPU Pavel
Postnikov is quoted in the message.
© РИА Томск. Элеонора Черная
According to scientists, star-shaped nanoparticles can be used for creation of
new medical materials. For example, those, of which operating tables are made,
furniture and other objects for operating rooms and hospitals. Without light
influence material will be inert or with weak antibacterial activity, and under
light of the laser it will destroy bacteria.
It is explained that now in hospitals for fight against dangerous
microorganisms ultraviolet radiation from a quartz lamp is using, but it can do
much harm to the person. Light activating star-shaped nanoparticles is safe.
Other way of disinfection – is antibiotics, but their efficiency decreases when
bacteria begin "to get used" to them and to produce certain enzymes.
"Bacteria have no mechanisms of protection against nanoparticles, and even
in the theory they can't develop stability. Nanoparticles can be compared to a
sledge hammer for a bacterium, from it there is just no protection", –
noted in the university.