Self-Sterilizing Plastics Kill Drug Resistant Bacteria

http://www.sciam.com/article.cfm?id=self-sterilizing-plastics

These days, seventy percent of bacterial infections are drug-resistant, which has made them the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Because of the mutations of the bacteria which are making them resistant, the makers of antibiotics have had to begin a different approach to killing bacteria. These companies are attempting to mimic the human body's defense against bacteria, killing them by poking holes in the cell membranes and keeping them from mutating and becoming resistant.

Polymedix, with the help of scientists from the University of Pennsylvania, is developing drugs and polymers which can destroy bacteria in ways similar to those of the human body. They are working on an antibacterial drug which will be able to kill bacteria without having to enter the cells, and they are developing a polymer which could be used to make "self-sterilizing" things. Since the polymer is not just a coating, it will never wear out. It is possible that eventually the polymer could be added to in almost anything, such as "bedding, carpeting, countertops, and towels." The polymers could also help to eliminate black mold in houses amd could fight against such biowarfare as anthrax, plagues, and tularemia. The drugs which are being created could one day make current antibiotics obselete. They are still waiting, however, for approval from the FDA before they can begin clinical trials.

RESPONSE
I just find it really interesting that bacteria, one of the simplest life forms known to man, are able to adapt to conditions so well that they can effectively outsmart man. Hopefully these developments will finally give mankind a permanent victory over bacteria. I found it almost unbelievable that bacterial infections were the fourth leading cause of death in the most developed country in the world. Both the polymer and the drug could save many lives. Hopefully they will get the FDA's approval.