The risk of deadly hospital infections could be reduced by coating medical equipment with newly-discovered materials that repel bacteria, a study has suggested.

A team of researchers at the University of Edinburgh used an advanced screening method to identify inexpensive synthetic materials that could be used as coatings. After testing hundreds of man-made materials, they found that two significantly reduced the risk posed by various types of dangerous bacteria.

They said preventing bacteria from attaching to medical instruments – such as catheters, breathing tubes and artificial implants – could significantly reduce the risk of infections and the spread of disease.

Existing materials are often expensive and only partially effective

The team said that adding the protective layer reduced the numbers of bacteria found on the surface by up to 96 per cent compared with existing uncoated devices.

Once bacteria attach to a surface, they create a protective biological layer around themselves known as a biofilm.

It acts as a physical barrier that makes the organisms highly resistant to antibiotics used to combat infections.

Coating medical devices with substances can prevent the biofilms forming, and the researchers said existing materials are often expensive and only partially effective, with some risking allergic reactions in patients.

Seshasailam Venkateswaran, of the university’s College of Science and Engineering, led the study and said: “Bacterial infections on medical devices are a serious and global issue.

“With the continued emergence of highly antibiotic-esistant bacteria, antibiotic-free polymer coatings which prevent a wide range of dangerous organisms from binding to such devices have tremendous potential to reduce infections.”