Credit: J.D. Howell/McMaster University
Canadian scientists are looking to reinvent the way that we heal ourselves.
A team of scientists from McMaster University in Canada have created a new gel that is packed with bacteria-killing viruses that could have many uses in medicine and environmental protection.
Bacteriophages are the largest group of bacteria-killing virus organisms on the planet. A chemical engineer decided to take advantage of these abundant bacteria-killing viruses by extracting and packing bacteriophages together. Their density was so great that it caused them to form liquid crystals. Add in a chemical binder, and you get a gelatin-like substance.
Our bodies have tons of bacteriophages as they act as bacteria’s natural predators. To be able to form a gel with a bacteria-killing organism could really change the scope of how we are able to treat injuries and infections. Researchers expect that this gel could soon be used to coat medical implants and artificial joints to prevent inflammation and infection.
As bacteria grows and becomes resistant to antibiotics, a new solution is necessary. Without a doubt, bacteriophages are an extremely promising alternative. Bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics are no match for the bacteriophages.
Bacteriophage DNA can easily be changed, which is promising news for other purposes. The virus can be trained to work against cancer cells as well as counteract environmental pollutants. The options are endless and could really be a game-changer in life. It’s kind of funny; the answer to our medical problems was inside us all along! Literally, I mean, not in a metaphysical sense.
