At a Glance
- Researchers developed microscopic patterns on plastic surfaces that physically stop bacteria from forming infections, offering a promising alternative to chemical or antibiotic coatings on medical devices.
- The specific grooves and crevices of the most effective topographies confine bacteria, tricking them into producing a natural lubricant that prevents them from sticking to the surface.
- Scientists used machine learning to analyze more than 2,000 unique designs, enabling them to identify the optimal patterns for resisting the formation of dangerous biofilms by pathogens.
- This innovative physical approach was shown to be highly effective against the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both laboratory experiments and a preclinical animal infection model.
- By preventing bacterial attachment, these patterned surfaces could significantly reduce hospital-acquired infections and help the body’s immune system fight off lingering pathogens more effectively.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed microscopic surface patterns that can prevent dangerous bacteria from colonizing plastics, a breakthrough that could significantly reduce infections from medical devices. The study, published in the journal Nature Communications, identified specific topographies that hinder the formation of biofilms —resilient, slime-like communities that bacteria build to protect themselves. By simply altering the physical texture of a material, scientists have found that they can prevent infections before they start, without the use of chemical coatings or antibiotics.
Biofilms pose a significant challenge in healthcare. These organized bacterial structures act as shields, protecting pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa from both the body’s immune system and antibiotics. Many medical implants, such as catheters and breathing tubes, are made from polymers that are susceptible to this bacterial buildup, a process known as biofouling. While some devices are coated with antimicrobial agents, this approach carries the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance. The new research offers a purely physical solution, utilizing the shape of a surface rather than chemicals to deter infection.
To find the optimal design, the scientific team conducted an extensive, unbiased screen of 2,176 unique microtopographies embossed onto a polymer surface. Using machine learning to analyze the results, they identified patterns that reduced bacterial colonization by up to 15 times compared with a flat surface. Tracking individual bacteria revealed a novel defense mechanism. The most effective patterns feature tiny crevices that confine bacterial cells. This confinement triggers a process called quorum sensing, a form of bacterial communication, which, in this case, tricks the bacteria into producing their natural lubricant, a biosurfactant. This “autolubrication” prevents the cells from sticking to the surface and initiating a biofilm.
The anti-biofilm properties of the patterns were confirmed not only in laboratory settings but also in a mouse model, demonstrating their effectiveness within a living organism. By preventing the initial attachment of bacteria, these topographies facilitate the immune system’s ability to clear pathogens before an infection can take hold. This sophisticated yet straightforward approach of patterning existing device materials holds significant promise for preventing device-associated infections in hospitals, offering a powerful new tool in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
References
- Romero, M., Luckett, J., Dubern, J.-F., Figueredo, G. P., Ison, E., Carabelli, A. M., Scurr, D. J., Hook, A. L., Kammerling, L., Da Silva, A. C., Xue, X., Blackburn, C., Carlier, A., Vasilevich, A., Sudarsanam, P. K., Vermeulen, S., Winkler, D. A., Ghaemmaghami, A. M., Boer, J. D., … Williams, P. (2025). Combinatorial discovery of microtopographical landscapes that resist biofilm formation through quorum sensing mediated autolubrication. Nature Communications, 16(1), 5295. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-60567-x
- University of Nottingham. (2025, June 18). Scientists discover a materials maze that prevents bacterial infections. Phys.Org; University of Nottingham. https://phys.org/news/2025-06-scientists-materials-maze-bacterial-infections.html
