Nature Communications, leading nanomedical innovative research magazine, has recently published an absolute breakthrough in foot fungus treatment that uses nanofibres from IBM! It was discovered by scientist Yi Yan Yang from the Singapore Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology and leading member of the IBM group. The ad hoc scientist team has changed the usual plastic materials, such as PET polyethylene terephthalate, into complete non-toxic materials that can specifically target and attack foot fungus infections.
In their press release from the Singapore institute, executive director Jackie Y. Ying proudly announced that their latest discovery with IBM has allowed them to eradicate many strains of fungi and related biofilms that have evolved to become drug-sensitive and drug-resistant. They are able to do this while preserving health and well-being of all surrounding body tissue and cells.
The entirety of this research line started all the way back when IBM’s nanomedicine researchers were applying organic catalysts to facilitate waste plastic transformations into brand-new molecules. The new elements were made to participate in self-assembly to produce these nanofibres. Each fibre carried positive charges. Based on the rules of electrostatic attraction, this meant that they would only be attached to fungal membranes that were negative in charge. Upon adherence, the nanofibres are able to completely destroy the fungus membrane. It also prevents resistance from developing within the cell in this way.
Research & Experimental Proof for New Foot Fungus Treatment
Lab experiments have revealed this anti-fungal chemical to be effective in killing off various kinds of fungi including the dreaded toenail fungus. In fact, in mice, it has even been effective in curing the fungal eye condition. Further studies conducted in Singapore, and results showed these nanofibres to eradicate over 99.9% traces of Candida albicans. This is the 3rd most popular cause of bloodstream-mediated infections in America. Over a billion individuals suffer from such fungal infections every single year. These infections vary in severity. It could be a simple itch or a strong skin infection, like athlete’s foot, or a fatal blood infection too.
Since this finding, one of the main focuses of the nanomedicine research group at IBM has been to develop new polymers that are even more efficient for prevention and treatment of fungal diseases. As the man behind the breakthrough, Ying, ingeniously said,” Fortune favors the bold!”
