Australian researchers have developed a nanoscale coating made from insect protein that completely blocks bacterial attachment—offering a powerful new tool against infections on medical implants and tools.
Key Points at a Glance
- Resilin-based coatings stopped 100% of E. coli bacteria from attaching to surfaces
- The coating uses mechanical forces—not antibiotics—to kill bacteria
- Safe for human cells and scalable for use on implants, tools, and dressings
- Could help combat antibiotic resistance in healthcare environments
- Developed using world-class neutron scattering and nanoanalysis facilities
A team led by researchers at RMIT University has developed a groundbreaking antibacterial coating derived from resilin—a protein found in insects known for its extreme elasticity. In lab tests, this new material showed 100% effectiveness at preventing E. coli from attaching to surfaces, offering a major breakthrough in the fight against hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic-resistant bacteria like MRSA.
The coating uses nano-sized droplets of modified resilin proteins, known as coacervates, to form a high-surface-area layer that interacts with bacterial membranes. These droplets create electrostatic forces that disrupt the outer walls of bacteria, causing them to leak and die—without the use of traditional antibiotics. Unlike chemical treatments, this physical mechanism makes it much harder for bacteria to develop resistance.
“We’ve designed this surface to completely prevent the initial attachment of bacteria and biofilm formation,” said lead author Professor Namita Roy Choudhury. “That’s crucial in reducing infection rates, especially on medical implants and surgical tools.”
In addition to their antibacterial strength, the resilin-based coatings proved to be non-toxic and fully compatible with human cells—essential traits for successful integration with the body. The researchers envision applications in a wide range of medical contexts, including catheters, wound dressings, and prosthetics, where infection prevention is vital.
The team’s work marks the first time resilin-mimetic proteins have been used as a bacteria-repelling coating. The material’s flexibility, durability, and environmental friendliness make it a compelling alternative to existing technologies, including silver nanoparticle coatings, which can pose toxicity risks and degrade over time.
“Unlike antibiotics, this approach doesn’t rely on killing bacteria with chemicals,” explained Dr. Nisal Wanasingha, co-lead author. “It physically breaks them apart. And because it’s based on natural protein, it’s more sustainable and less likely to trigger adverse reactions.”
The research also benefited from Australia’s world-leading neutron scattering tools at ANSTO, where deuterated protein molecules were synthesized and analyzed using the Spatz reflectometer and Quokka SANS instrument. These techniques enabled the team to examine the coatings at the molecular level and confirm their structure-function relationships.
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand the technology by incorporating antimicrobial peptides and exploring its effectiveness against a broader spectrum of pathogens. Stability testing and clinical safety trials will be required to bring the coating to market, but the early results are highly promising.
“This could be a game-changer in preventing medical infections,” said co-author Professor Naba Dutta. “With further development, it may be possible to create smart, adaptive coatings that not only kill bacteria but respond to their presence in real time.”
Published in the journal Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, the study lays the foundation for a new generation of self-sterilizing materials powered by nature and engineered by science.
Source: RMIT University
