Peppermint Medical Coating Infection Prevention
Peppermint Medical Coating Could Transform Infection Prevention in Hospitals
Australian Researchers Develop Plasma-Engineered Nano-Layer to Reduce Infections and Inflammation
A team of Australian researchers has developed an innovative medical coating made from peppermint essential oil, designed to be applied to the surfaces of widely used medical devices to help reduce infection and inflammatory complications.
The idea, according to senior investigator Professor Krasimir Vasilev of Flinders University, originated from a personal moment of relief after consuming peppermint leaves to ease a sore throat. Intrigued by the plant's therapeutic properties, he sought to harness its biological activity within a stable plasma-engineered coating—building on two decades of expertise in advanced surface technologies.
Working within the Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory, Professor Vasilev and Colleagues—Associate Professor Vi Khanh Truong, Dr Andrew Hayles and doctoral researchers Trong Quan Luu and Tuyet Pham—successfully produced a nanometer-thin peppermint oil coating capable of defending against microbial growth, inflammatory responses and oxidative damage, while remaining safe for contact with human tissue.
Plasma Technology Transforms Peppermint Oil into Protective Medical Shield
In their study, the researchers employed atmospheric pressure plasma to convert peppermint essential oil into an ultra-thin coating capable of firmly adhering to a wide range of medical materials.
Professor Vasilev explained that the technique requires neither high temperatures nor hazardous chemicals, while preserving many of the oil's biologically active components.
Environmentally Responsible Plasma Engineering
Crucially, he noted, the method is environmentally responsible, as the energy powering the process can be sourced entirely from renewables. The plasma treatment restructures the oil's molecules into a cross-linked network, producing a durable and stable coating resistant to degradation.
For more science and medical innovation updates, read our coverage on:
➡Advanced Biomedical Innovations and Nanoengineering Research
Environmental sustainability insights can be explored at:
➡Environmental Reality and Sustainable Technologies
Targeting Catheter-Associated Infections: A Major Hospital Challenge
The research team began by trialing the innovative coating on urinary catheters—medical devices frequently linked to infection and considerable patient discomfort.
90% Reduction in Reactive Oxygen Species
Co-author Associate Professor Vi Khanh Truong reported that the peppermint-based surface reduced up to 90% of harmful reactive oxygen species, thereby minimizing tissue damage and irritation.
"Catheter-associated urinary tract infections remain among the most prevalent hospital-acquired infections," said Associate Professor Truong of the College of Medicine and Public Health.
"They significantly increase patient discomfort, prolong hospital stays, escalate treatment costs and raise mortality risks."
Strong Antibacterial Effects Without Drug Release
"The plasma-derived coating exhibited powerful antibacterial effects against major pathogens, including E: coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, destroying bacteria on contact without releasing any pharmaceutical agents into the body."
For related health and infection-control insights, visit:
➡Hospital-Acquired Infections and Public Health Risks
Boosting Antibiotic Effectiveness Against Superbugs
The researchers also discovered that the peppermint-based layer heightened bacterial susceptibility to widely used antibiotics such as colistin and levofloxacin— an encouraging development in the global fight against antimicrobial resistance.
Key Findings Anti-Inflammatory Immune Modulation:
- Suppression of pro-inflammatory immune signals
- Enhancement of anti-inflammatory responses
- Increased antibiotic susceptibility in harmful bacteria
- Non-toxic interaction with human cells
"We observed that the coating suppresses pro-inflammatory signals while enhancing anti-inflammatory responses," explained Dr Andrew Hayles.
"In effect, it steers immune cells towards a healing-associated phenotype rather than an aggressive inflammatory state."
"This response could enable the body to accept implanted medical devices with far greater comfort and reduced irritation."
Further coverage on antimicrobial resistance and global health challenges:
➡Antimicrobial Resistance and Emerging Health Threats
Laboratory Confirmation of Biocompatibility and Safety
Laboratory trials confirmed that human cells adhere and grow normally on the coated surface, maintaining healthy metabolic function— clear evidence that the peppermint-derived film is biocompatible and safe for direct contact with tissue.
Beyond Catheters: Expanding to Implants and Long-Term Devices
Importantly, the technology is not limited to catheters; it holds promise for a wide range of medical devices, including implants used in orthopaedic procedures and equipment designed for long-term clinical care.
Environmentally Responsible Manufacturing with Renewable Energy
"The technique advances environmentally responsible manufacturing, drawing on renewable peppermint oil and eliminating the need for solvent-based processing. It can also operate entirely on renewable energy," Professor Vasilev explains.
He adds that the Biomedical Nanoengineering Laboratory's location within Flinders Medical Centre Fosters Close collaboration with clinicians, ensuring the research remains directly aligned with real-world medical needs and primed for clinical translation.
Future Outlook: From Laboratory Discovery to Commercial Application
The team believes the breakthrough could usher in a new era of medical coatings derived from natural compounds, enhancing patient comfort while lowering infection risks. They are now seeking industry partners to help bring the technology from laboratory innovation to commercial reality.
Why This Discovery Matters
- Reduces hospital-acquired infections
- Minimizes inflammatory complications
- Supports antibiotic effectiveness
- Promotes environmentally sustainable manufacturing
- Expands applications across multiple medical devices
As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with infection control, antimicrobial resistance and sustainability challenges, this peppermint-based plasma coating could mark a transformative step in next-generation medical technology.
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