The light that kill superbugs – New Technology

     Risk-Free for people – deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Photo: University of Strathclyde
     

Visible violet light is a new weapon against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A Scottish hospital is the first in the world to introduce the technology.

The lights spreads an intense light in a narrow range around 405 nm, a visible light with a violet hue. The lighting is absolutely harmless to patients and medical staff – but effectively kills harmful bacteria present in the air and on surfaces. Even dreaded bacteria such as MRSA, E.coli and Clostridium difficile stresses with, and thus reduces the risk of infection in the hospital.

After more than ten years of research, is the new lighting system in operation in the ICU at the hospital Glasgow Royal Infirmary. The technology, developed by scientists at

the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, has previously been tested in isolation in the hospital with good results. According to the researchers, the number of dangerous bacteria much more than what can be achieved by cleaning and disinfection. Now install the new lighting for the first time in an intensive care unit.

To be in a completely violet light is maybe not so nice to people. Researchers have therefore mixed different LEDs to get a lamp that emits a warm white light that can be used with normal hospital lighting.

bacteria where antibiotics no longer biting is one of the most serious threats to public health, according to the World Health Organization.