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Copper instead of antibiotics? New nano-coating protects implants from infections
A British research team has developed a nano-coating made of copper oxide for medical implants that has an antibacterial effect – even against multi-resistant germs. This brings an effective alternative to antibiotic treatment within reach.
Post-operative infections are among the greatest risks associated with the implantation of medical devices. A research team at Nottingham Trent University has now developed a copper oxide nanoparticle coating that can be applied directly to common materials such as silicone, stainless steel or titanium – and has a significant antimicrobial effect.
The coating can be applied using both a spray and an immersion process and has been shown in tests to protect against a variety of clinically relevant bacteria, including multi-resistant strains. In cell tests, the coating did not prove toxic to human cells – a crucial criterion for medical use.
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Copper as an alternative to silver
While silver was long considered the preferred antimicrobial material, it suffers from oxidation and the associated loss of effectiveness. Copper, on the other hand, has proven to be more resistant to oxidation – and also shows strong antibacterial properties. Researchers see this as a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, whose effectiveness is severely limited by increasing resistance.
According to the WHO, antibiotic-resistant infections could become the leading cause of death worldwide by 2050. The number of deaths directly caused by such resistance was already 1.27 million in 2019. Implants – from orthopaedic to intravascular to dental or cardiovascular – provide an ideal surface for potential pathogens to attack. The new copper oxide coating could significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Source: Nottingham Trent University, April 2025
