This Modified Stainless Steel Could Kill Bacteria Without Antibiotics or Chemicals

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an electrochemical process that could offer new protection against bacterial infections without contributing to antibiotic resistance. The researchers first developed an electrochemical method to etch the surface of stainless steel, creating nano-sized needle-like structures on the surface that can puncture bacteria's cell membranes. Then, with a second electrochemical process, the researchers deposited copper ions on the steel's surface. Copper interacts with the cell membranes and ultimately compromises them. Together, the dual attacks resulted in 97% reduction of Gram-negative E. coli and 99% reduction in Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermis bacteria in the group's study.