(CNN) Researchers have developed a self-cleaning plastic wrap that repels bacteria -- and could be used to prevent the transfer of antibiotic resistant superbugs , and other forms of dangerous bacteria. A team of scientists from Canada's McMaster University used a combination of nano-scale surface engineering and chemistry to develop a plastic surface -- a treated form of transparent wrap -- which repels all kinds of bacteria. The plastic covering can be shrink wrapped onto surfaces that are considered common breeding grounds for bacteria like MRSA -- such as door handles, railings and IV stands. They tested the material using MRSA and Pseudomonas -- considered the most dangerous forms of antibiotic-resistant bacteria -- using electron microscope images to confirm that virtually no bacteria could transfer to the surface. "We can see this technology being used in all kinds of institutional and domestic settings," Tohid Didar, who co-led the research, said.

Source: CNN December 13, 2019 16:52 UTC