Multimedia Gallery
The Discovery FilesPlaque Attack
A team of engineers, dentists and biologists has developed a microscopic robotic cleaning crew, which goes by the acronym "CARs," whose catalytic activity could ably destroy biofilms, sticky amalgamations of bacteria enmeshed in a protective scaffolding. The scientists tested the minibots mettle in fighting tooth decay and infection from plaque; however, their biofilm-removal systems also could be valuable in a wide range of potential applications, from keeping water pipes and catheters clean to reducing the risk of implant contamination.
Credit: National Science Foundation/Karson Productions
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