Scientists are exploring the use of nanomaterials to mechanically kill bacteria, which can resist traditional antibiotics. The team, led by Cristina Flors, aims to understand how to effectively deliver force to bacterial cells to kill them. They used atomic force microscopy to study the interaction between bacteria and mechano-bactericidal nanomaterials, which are sharp nanoparticles or features that can damage bacterial cell walls. The research found that killing bacteria requires a force of a few nano-newtons (nN) to a few tens of nN, which is much less than previously thought. However, the way this force is applied is crucial, as it needs to be focused on the bacterial cell wall to cause damage.
The team is now working to develop better mechano-bactericidal materials, which could be used in medical devices, water filtration systems, and even food packaging. The goal is to provide an alternative to antibiotics, which are facing the threat of resistance. The research highlights the importance of understanding cell-material interactions to develop effective antimicrobial strategies. Flors and her team believe that their work could lead to the development of more effective antimicrobial materials, which could have a significant impact on public health.