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Researchers at the National Graphene Institute have developed a new type of antimicrobial coating that could improve hygiene across health care, consumer, and industrial products. Working in partnership with medical technology company Smith & Nephew, the team, led by Prof Rahul R Nair, has its findings in the journal Small.

Silver has long been used to fight bacteria, particularly in wound care, because of its ability to release ions that damage bacterial cells. But current approaches come with downsides: Silver can be released too quickly or unevenly, it may damage surrounding healthy tissue, and it's often used in quantities that aren't sustainable.

The Manchester team tackled these issues by designing a graphene oxide-based membrane that can release silver ions slowly and precisely over time. The key lies in the structure of the membrane itself—its nanoscale channels act like filters, regulating how much silver is released.

"Our research represents a paradigm shift in antimicrobial coating technology," states lead author Prof Nair. "By harnessing the potential of graphene oxide membranes, we've unlocked a method for controlled silver ion release, paving the way for sustained antimicrobial efficacy in various applications."

The team also created a testing model that better reflects real biological conditions. By using fetal bovine serum in lab trials, they could simulate the environment the coating would encounter in the body, offering a clearer view of how it performs over time.

"This approach allows us to deliver just the right amount of silver for extended protection," first author Dr. Swathi Suran adds. "It has potential in many areas, including wound care dressings and antimicrobial coatings for implants, and could bring long-term benefits for both patients and health care providers."

As the team looks ahead, they're focused on exploring how this coating could be integrated into a range of everyday and medical products, making bacterial resistance less of a hidden threat and more of a manageable challenge.