Prehistoric ‘goo’ coating improves medical devices and implants

CSIRO has developed an innovative ‘goo’ coating that could be used to improve medical devices and implants

According to the company, molecules from this primordial goo – known as prebiotic compounds – can be traced back billions of years. Now researchers in Australia have uncovered a way to use these molecules to help with medical implants like bone replacements, catheters and pacemakers every year.

Dr Richard Evans, CSIRO said: “The human body is a complex system so there is a lot to consider when implanting artificial parts.

“Reducing the likelihood of infection and ensuring the body doesn’t reject implants are on-going medical challenges.

“That’s why coatings on these implants are needed to help them to do their job.

“We wanted to use these prehistoric molecules, which are believed to have been the source of all life evolving on earth, to see if we could apply the chemistry in a practical way.”