"Plaque Attack" -- The Discovery Files

"Plaque Attack" -- The Discovery Files
A team of engineers, dentists and biologists has developed a microscopic robotic cleaning crew, which goes by the acronym "CARs," whose catalytic activity could ably destroy biofilms, sticky amalgamations of bacteria enmeshed in a protective scaffolding. The scientists tested the minibots mettle in fighting tooth decay and infection from plaque; however, their biofilm-removal systems also could be valuable in a wide range of potential applications, from keeping water pipes and catheters clean to reducing the risk of implant contamination.

Published May 08, 2019 at 10:00PM