Nanotechnology repels bacteria
There's no doubt that ours is the mobile generation, when our phones are never far from our fingertips. But how can we stop these well-handled communication tools becoming germ-ridden tools of our own downfall?
It seems that LG Electronics South Africa may have the answer with the LG F2400, a new phone fitted with a silver nanoparticle antibacterial coating.
Silver has long been used for the treatment of medical ailments due to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Yet when silver is in its nano form, its sterilisation and antibacterial properties are vastly improved.
Typically measuring 25 nm, nano-silver particles have an extremely large surface area to volume ratio, increasing their contact with bacteria or fungi.
The antibacterial phone was launched in South Africa in May 2005.