Bug-popping nanotubes promise clean surfaces

August 22, 2007 | Source: NewScientist.com news service

A Yale University study found that soating surfaces with carbon nanotubes could keep them microbe-free.

The nanotubes punctured bacteria cells, causing the genetic material to float out.

The Yale researchers envisage materials covered with carbon nanotubes to keep them microbe-free. The nanotubes could either be applied to the surface or incorporated during the manufacturing process.