Scientists from the MSU's Center for Biofilm Engineering are exploring the use of chitosan, a compound derived from chitin presents in the shells of crabs and shrimps, as an antimicrobial. In the laboratory, it has been shown that a coating of chitosan prevents bacteria and yeast from forming biofilms on surfaces. Because of this property, chitosan may be used to coat medical devices such as mechanical heart valves, contact lens, artificial hips and knees, and breast implants, and prevent device-related infections .

If further testing in animals and humans proves successful, coating these devices with chitosan could become an important first line of defense, according to Stewart. "I don't want to claim we've fully solved the problem here," he said, "but ... I think over the next 10 years we're going to be seeing new technologies in the form of coatings that will prevent or at least reduce the incidence of infection."

Results from the preliminary study were presented during the 232nd national meeting of the American Chemical Society last week.

Read more from the ACS News Service.

[Photo: Biofilms, slimy layers of Staphylococcus epidermidis bacteria (above) and other harmful microbes that form on catheters and other implantable medical devices, are considered the leading cause of bacterial infections in the United States. Credit: Ross Carlson and Betsey Pitts, Montana State University]