Laser against microorganisms. The research of scientists will help in health care and industry
Scientists are developing special surfaces that prevent microorganisms from adhering. Their surface communities, called biofilms, often contaminate medical equipment or damage industrial facilities. Experts from the Faculty of Science at Charles University's BIOCEV Centre and the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences at the HiLASE Centre are working on the research as part of the LasApp project and the STAR Science and Technology Cluster. The results of the unique collaboration between microbiologists and laser technology experts will be used in several fields.
A biofilm is a thin layer of a community of microorganisms that grows on the surface of a structure and adheres to it. Biofilms are all around us and have a profound effect on life on Earth. They can contain bacteria, yeast or other microorganisms.
But biofilms are a serious problem in fields such as medicine and industry. They contaminate medical equipment such as catheters and implants, which can lead to chronic infections. In industry, they cause corrosion and contamination of equipment. Even in space, they can threaten key pieces of equipment such as water treatment units and spacesuits.
More information in the official press release (in Czech) HERE
