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• A 2025 study by Brunel University of London found that the hospital superbug Pseudomonas aeruginosa could destroy a common medical plastic called polycaprolactone (PCL) by 78% over 7 days.
• Hospital-acquired illnesses place a significant financial strain on the NHS, with broader antibiotic resistance costs expected to be in the billions of pounds per year, according to UK government projections.

A New Type of Bacteria Is Feeding on Plastic Used in Hospitals

Researchers have recently found that a kind of bacteria known as Pseudomonas aeruginosa has started to break down polycaprolactone (PCL) and live off it. This plastic is normally employed in medical devices such as stitches that dissolve in your body, implants, and some drug delivery systems.

This might sound like a small detail, but it could change how hospitals and manufacturers think about infection control and how safe some materials are.

Why This Discovery Matters to You

You may not spend much time thinking about medical plastics, but they’re all around you when you go to a clinic or hospital. They’re in the tools doctors use, the packaging around sterile equipment, and sometimes even inside your body after a surgery.

This discovery means that a bacterium we already know causes serious infections can now actually eat one of these materials. Not only does this help the bacteria survive longer, but it also allows them to build a protective layer around themselves, which makes it even harder to kill with antibiotics or cleaning methods.

This is important because it could lead to more difficult-to-treat infections in hospitals â€� something that affects all of us sooner or later, whether we’re patients or visitors.

What the Scientists Found

Researchers have found that certain enzymes produced by can break down PCL, though the specific name ‘Pap1’ requires further verification from newer studies. A 2025 study documented 78% PCL degradation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa over 7 days, highlighting the potential for this material to serve as a carbon source for bacteria under the right conditions.

As the plastic breaks down, the bacteria form what’s called a “biofilm”. This is like a sticky shield that bacteria use to protect themselves. It’s a big reason why hospital infections are so tough to treat. Once a biofilm is in place, regular cleaning and even antibiotics have a much harder time working.

Where This Bacteria Is Found in Hospitals

Hospitals are full of surfaces and devices made of plastic. From IV tubes and catheters to surgical tools and implants, these materials are standard in modern medical care. When Pseudomonas aeruginosa attaches to one of these surfaces, especially one made of PCL, it may start breaking it down and forming a biofilm.

Biofilms can grow inside drains, on surgical equipment, and even on devices left inside the body. Once they take hold, they are incredibly difficult to remove. This makes early detection and prevention very important.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Not everyone faces the same level of risk from these plastic-eating bacteria. Patients with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, transplant recipients, or elderly patients, are more likely to develop serious infections.

People who require surgery that uses implants or internal medical devices may also face added risks. If these materials are made from PCL and are colonised by bacteria, it could lead to infections that require more than just antibiotics, sometimes even additional surgery.

How Are Hospitals Dealing With It?

Many hospitals in the UK and across Europe are beginning to pay close attention to how materials like PCL are used. Infection control teams are reviewing sterilisation procedures, device sourcing, and even redesigning care protocols.

Some of the changes include:

• Reviewing suppliers and materials for medical devices
• Conducting routine surface testing in operating theatres and recovery areas
• Using antimicrobial coatings on devices
• Training staff to spot early signs of device-related infections

Hospitals are also beginning to participate in studies and trials that look at alternative materials � those that are harder for bacteria to colonise or digest.

What Can You Do as a Patient?

While hospitals do much of the work behind the scenes, you can also play a role in keeping yourself safe:

• Before surgery, ask your doctor what kind of materials will be used.
• Request information on how the hospital prevents device-related infections.
• Follow all post-op care instructions carefully.
• Monitor your recovery for signs like fever, redness, swelling, or discharge.

These steps help you become an active part of your healthcare and reduce your risk.

The Role of Medical Brands and Manufacturers

Behind the scenes, medical device companies and plastic suppliers are now under more pressure to act. Brands that make implants, sutures, and internal devices must now assess whether their materials can resist bacterial colonisation.

Some companies are exploring changes such as:

• Switching away from PCL in high-risk devices
• Adding bacteria-resistant compounds to plastics
• Conducting new trials focused on infection resilience

As more awareness grows, this might also influence how hospitals choose suppliers, favouring those who prioritise safety and transparency.

What This Means for the Future of Healthcare

This isn’t just a story about one type of plastic. It reflects a larger challenge in modern medicine � keeping up with how bacteria adapt.

As Pseudomonas aeruginosa shows us, bacteria can find new ways to survive. That means the materials we once considered safe might need to be re-evaluated. It also means better collaboration is needed between researchers, hospitals, and manufacturers.

You might begin to see labels on medical packaging that mention resistance to biofilms or specify non-PCL materials. Hospitals may adopt stricter protocols, and you might even hear more about plastic alternatives like silicone or metal in certain procedures.

Questions You Might Want to Ask Your Doctor

If you or someone close to you has surgery coming up, you may want to discuss:

• Are PCL materials used in this procedure?
• Are there bacteria-resistant options available?
• How does the hospital sterilise and monitor these devices?
• What infection prevention steps should I follow after the procedure?

These questions aren’t meant to worry you � they’re tools to help you make informed decisions.

Staying Aware and Prepared

Healthcare is always evolving, and bacteria are too. By learning about how materials like PCL interact with bacteria, we become better prepared as a society.

Whether you’re going in for a check-up or planning for a surgery, staying aware of these developments can help you make safer choices. Ask questions, stay informed, and know that science and healthcare providers are working on new solutions every day.