Bug busting boffins team up
TWO North West companies are working together to produce a new antibacterial glass, which is being trialled at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
Stockport-based Cheadle Glass together and CVD Technologies, based at Salford University, developed the product in partnership with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to improve infection control in hospitals.
The glass’ antimicrobial action eliminates 99.9% of all bacteria that forms on its surface, while also preventing the spread of fungi.
Silver ions are diffused into the upper layers of the glass, which then interact with bacteria and destroy them by disabling their metabolism and disrupting their division mechanism.
Salford University’s Centre for Parasitology and Disease Research and the HPA are testing the anti bacterial qualities of the glass in a hospital environment and in lab tests.
The scientists, led by Professor David Sheel, are particularly interested in testing efficacy levels in high risk areas such as operating theatres and sluice rooms as well as patient areas such as wards.
Keith Flowers of Cheadle Glass said: “What the team are doing now is to test just how effective the glass is in a real hospital environment. If the trials are a success the opportunities that this will present will be significant.”
Trials at the hospital are expected to continue for two years.
