and germs in a matter of minutes, saving both time and money.

Sohn Jung-in shows us how it works.

This is an antibiotic nanofilm newly developed by local researchers.

When they dribble a few drops that contain germs onto it, most of the bacteria die within

five minutes. Looking through the microscope, the germs

are destroyed. The sharp, rough surface of the nanofilm acts

like the edge of a knife,... ripping apart the cell-wall of bacteria on contact.

"These blades are literally nano-size, which means that it causes no harm when a person

touches it, but when it is brushed against bacteria, their cell-walls are torn off, which

eventually kills them."

It takes over an hour to kill germs via oxidation, but it takes just 15 minutes using this new

wall-destroying material. It uses a cheaper version of nanographene

and titanium oxide, which costs almost one-tenth the amount of commonly used silver nanoparticles.

Experts believe they can expand their research to come up with other types of sterilizing

products for sanitation in the city, including waste water treatment.

"Using this new type of technology, we anticipate to easily get rid of bacteria lurking at public

facilities such as on handles or seats in buses, subways and bathrooms."

The results have been featured in the renowned academic journal "Advanced Functional Materials."

Sohn Jung-in, Arirang News.