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Monday, 23rd February 2009 (1481 views)

Nanotechnology can be used to determine the effectiveness of antibiotics against bacteria, new research has found.

Scientists from the London Centre for Nanotechnology, along with a researcher from the University of Queensland, have developed a way of using nano-probes to ascertain how well medicine prevents the growth of infections, the Virtual Medical Centre reports.

The technology, which often involves the use of gold, has been used to identify why some bacteria, such as MRSA, are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.

"This advance will help us to understand the mode of action of drugs targeted against resistant bacteria," Professor Matt Cooper explained, adding that the probes that have been developed can detect the difference between resistant and non-resistant bacteria "within minutes".

In related news, scientists have recently put gold to use in the development of a more efficient way to produce hydrogen peroxide, or bleach.

The precious metal helps to reduce decomposition of the substance during its production, Science Daily reports.

 

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