Laser-assisted manufacturing of graphene-based antibacterial surfaces

Purpose and goal

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is a global problem that cause a lot of suffering, high costs for healthcare and an increased risk of the spread of antibiotic resistance. The majority of HAIs are associated with the use of invasive medical devices that are colonized by bacteria, a problem that could be reduced if the product is provided with an antibacterial surface. The goal of this pre-study was to assess the potential for using laser to produce antibacterial surfaces based on graphene and that goal was fulfilled with promising results.

Expected effects and result

Previous projects have demonstrated that a surface with upright graphene flakes very effectively prevents bacterial colonization. This is because the graphene flakes make it difficult for bacteria to attach to the surface and they can also puncture bacteria that try. The graphene surface has potential to work against most types of bacteria including antibiotic-resistant strains and without inducing resistance development as it only prevents colonization. However, commercialization depends on a scalable manufacturing process, which has been evaluated in this project.

Planned approach and implementation

The plan was to produce samples with antibacterial surfaces of graphene in a scalable process using laser (WP1). To refine the process and ensure that it results in surfaces with potential to prevent bacterial colonization, the surfaces were first examined with electron microscopy. Surfaces with promising structures were then evaluated for how effectively they prevent bacterial growth, but also what other properties they have (WP2). Since the pre-study results are promising it has in parallel been preparations and planning for bringing the project to the next stage (WP3).