BEIJING, Jan. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- A new version of polymer biomaterial coated by penicillin to protect polymer-based surgical devices and medical implants has been created, U.S. media reported Thursday quoting the journal Biomacromolecules.

    The polymer used in medical procedures ranging from vascular grafting to plastic and reconstructive surgery was modified so penicillin adhered to its surface remained highly effective, Marek Urban and colleagues at the University of Southern Mississippi claimed in their report.

    In laboratory experiments, the researchers also demonstrated the penicillin-coated surfaces showed highly effective antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, which causes many serious human infections.

    "This approach may serve as a general surface modification process for the development of polymeric surfaces with anti-microbial properties," Urban said.

    (Agencies)