UCalgary research team discovers novel method for transforming limestone into a bacteria-killing nanoparticle
- Yana
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
A research team at the University of Calgary, in collaboration with Biosenta Inc., has developed a groundbreaking method to convert limestone into a potent, long-lasting antimicrobial nanoparticle, offering a significant advancement in the fight against harmful bacteria and fungi.
This innovative technology, a product of interdisciplinary cooperation between the Schulich School of Engineering and the Alberta Centre for Advanced Diagnostics (ACAD) at the Faculty of Science, creates a unique "shell and core" nanoparticle. The outer shell protects the active ingredient, calcium hydroxide, making it a more durable and effective disinfectant than conventional solutions.
The new nanoparticle has been rigorously tested against a range of dangerous pathogens, including those responsible for bloodstream infections such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans. The successful results of this research have been detailed in two published research papers.
This promising research was sponsored by Biosenta Inc., whose CEO, a University of Calgary alumnus, was personally motivated to fund the project after a tragic personal loss due to a hospital-acquired infection.
The potential applications for this new technology are vast and transformative. It can be incorporated into concrete to enhance durability and prevent microbial growth, used in paint for healthcare facilities to reduce the spread of infections, and applied as a coating for food packaging and high-touch surfaces in public spaces. This discovery marks a significant step forward in creating safer and healthier environments.
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