Key points from article :
Researchers developed an ultrashort-pulse laser that can kill multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Laser works by vibrating and breaking protein structures within the bacterial cell.
Resulting in biochemical disruption and eventual death.
They hope that technique could prove useful in decontaminating wounds and blood products.
Laser technology that can kill microbes but does not harm human cells.
Shaw-Wei Tsen, researcher says “...ultrashort-pulse laser technology uniquely inactivates pathogens while preserving human proteins and cells,” .
Laser power levels required to kill bacterial cells and viruses, human cells are unaffected.
Multidrug-resistant bacteria in the lab including MRSA and extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing E. coli.
Ultrashort-pulse lasers could be a way to make sure that our blood supply is clear of pathogens both known and unknown.
Research by Washington University School of Medicine, led by Samuel Achilefu, published in Journal of Biophotonics.
