Contributed by: Siddarth David & Dr. Tamhankar
The researchers at the Institute
of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) in Singapore have made a break
through discovery and found an alternative to triclosan. Triclosan an
antibacterial compound is widely used in household cleaning products but recently,
its application is increasingly being restricted due to concerns about its contribution
to antibiotic resistance in bacteria. This required alternatives in order to
continue the struggle against antibiotic resistance.
The new substance consists of "imidazolium
oligomer" can penetrate the cell wall of the bacteria and destroy them. In
tests, the substance killed 99.7% of Escherichia coli in less than 30 seconds. It eradicated 99.9% of the
bacteria Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas and Candida within two
minutes. This compound is also safe for use in humans because it carries
a positive charge that targets the more negatively charged bacteria, without
destroying red blood cells. The imidazolium chains are in the form of a
white powder, which forms a gel when mixed with alcohol. The researchers say it
could be easily incorporated in sprays and hand gels used for hand washing in
healthcare settings and at home.
This is a wonderful discovery,
given the rising antibiotic resistance and the need for simple techniques such
as hand washing which will reduce microbial infections and thereby the over use
of antibiotics. While this compound is yet to be used in manufacturing soaps,
hand-washing with regular soap is still very effective in reducing infections
and should be followed rigorously at hospitals and homes.
