27 May 2005: Banning bacteria at the bedside

A bedside cabinet with antimicrobial properties has been designed to help prevent the spread of MRSA in hospitals. 

The cabinet, developed by researchers at the University of Manchester, UK, also helps prevent the spread of other infections such as E. Coli  and Salmonella. 

The product, called Biokab, was developed to prevent indirect infections from contact with surfaces. It is made from polyethylene, impregnated with a broad spectrum antibacterial shown to kill MRSA. The antibacterial, IRGAGUARD 5000, uses partly immobilised silver ions in zeolite cages as the active agent. The silver ions bind to bacterial cells causing them to break down and destruct.

Stephen Bush, director of Manchester’s Centre for Manufacture, is enthusiastic about the new product. ’The volume percentage of biocide [in the plastic] affects the rate at which it destroys bacteria pretty much according to standard chemical kinetics,’ he said. ’We have established a level of biocide.such that MRSA is reduced by a factor of 10 000 at 37?C in 24 hours, compared with a factor of about five without the biocide.’

The cabinet is moulded from a single piece of plastic, excluding the removable doors. It is made by a process of rotomoulding and sintering, is hollow and reasonably lightweight. The process ensures an even spread of the antibacterial agent throughout. The single unit also means that recesses can be easily steam cleaned or even sterilised.

The unit weighs 12kg, say developers, making it easy to move. Bush concedes that the unit will not solve the MRSA problem in hospitals. ’We need to systematically knock out places where germs can be harboured’ he said. ’This will reduce at least one potential route for infection.’ Bush’s team are now looking to design and produce other items where hygiene is a crucial requirement. Vikki Allen