Research

The end of the superbug?

For decades, medical researchers have been developing a wide range of antibiotics to treat infectious diseases. Indeed, antibiotics have been regarded as the wonder drug of modern medicine, ever since Alexander Fleming made his chance discovery more than 80 years ago.

But in recent times, bacteria have evolved widespread resistance to this vital medical defence, and there are few, new antibiotics in the pipeline. As a result, some scientists are predicting the end of antibiotics, leaving mankind potentially unprotected against killer bugs.

However, there is hope. It’s called plasma medicine and some 50 groups of researchers worldwide are currently working on it. Professor Michael Kong is an authority on the medical use of plasmas. He spoke to Alison Laing about the grand challenge ahead and Loughborough University’s unique role in the development of this most promising cure.

Loughborough researchers have developed disinfection devices that can rid hands of harmful bacteria in seconds, without the use of traditional soaps, scrubs or gels.

The devices bathe hands in a low-temperature gas plasma (a mix of chemicals that can be controlled to be harmless to skin). A 10-second exposure to the plasma can reduce the incidence of bacteria, viruses and fungal infection by a factor of one million.

Also in development are plasma jets that can be placed into air conditioning units, which zap harmful micro-organisms as they flow from one room to another. This can be used to control the transmission of infection.

Researchers are currently in discussion with industry to develop these cleaning devices commercially. They could appear in hospitals and care homes within 18 months; protecting the vulnerable, saving lives – and saving the health industry billions of pounds in infection control costs.