CSB#6-Nanoparticles Destroy Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

A innovative type of degradable nano-particles have been manufactured by IBM to destroy bacteria that are resitant to antibiotics. These nano-particles work by physically carving up the cell membrane of the bacteria, emptying its contents out. This kind of attack is very similar to a virus, and after one bacterium is destroyed the nano-particles can move on to the next. They are also positively charged, which allows them to latch on to the bacteria. This kind of technology is being tested on Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and other such bacteria. Best of all, nano-particles attack physically not chemically, so the bacteria cannot evolve any resistance against it. In addition, unlike other nano-particles, these ones are completely bio-degradable and can be destroyed with certain fluids. Some of the particles are hydrophobic, while some are hydrophilic. This allows them to latch on to each other in certain substances, permitting the body to easily expel the particles out. Some substances that the nano-particles can degrade in are carbon dioxide and alcohol, which are regularly flushed out of the body. The technology is still fresh and scientists are still testing on the nano-particles to see if there are any unwanted side affects.

This kind of technology is very useful and can be applied to all the bad bacteria, preventing many deaths and diseases. It has many advantages such as bio-degradability, low cost, high availability, and no resistance. The only thing the general public can do is wait for the products to come out. Studies researching nano-particles against bacteria usually contain some weakness such as high prices or no availability, but with these nano-particles, they are almost perfect. A common question is what drives the selectivity of the nanoparticles and if they would destroy probiotics as well.

Citations
Boyle, Rebecca. "Degradable Nanoparticles Search, Intercept and Destroy Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria." Popular Science 4 Apr. 2011: n. pag. Rpt. in Popular Science. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. The New Book of Popular Science. Web. 6 Apr. 2011 .