What if you could wield a laser sword against microscopic invaders, not in a galaxy far, far away, but in your own body? “We have developed a highly innovative and clinically translatable infectious treatment technique,” Maryam Hajfathalian, who holds a doctorate in mechanical engineering and is the study’s lead author, told The Epoch Times. It’s a “rapid, drug-free method for wound and skin infection imaging and treatments.” This is a new way to clean teeth and wounds using tiny gold particles and light, she added.
“This is the first time that we have used engineered gold nanoparticles to eradicate oral biofilms using photothermal therapy.” According to Ms. Hajfathalian, these particles work quickly, killing harmful bacteria in under a minute without broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Because they work so well, scientists may be able to make new products like special mouthwash, sticky strips, or bandages that use light to clean wounds. The research received support from several National Institutes of Health (NIH) branches, including the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB). “With this platform, you can bust biofilms without surgically debriding infections, which can be necessary when using antibiotics,” Luisa Russell, who has a doctorate in materials science and engineering and is the program director in the Division of Discovery Science & Technology at NIBIB, said in a press release.
The method could be beneficial for people who c.