RMIT University researchers said a new material they developed can kill a range of infectious bacteria, such as E coli, within 10 minutes, according to an article on the Phys.org website.

"There is potential for special bedding, linens and surgical aprons on which bugs and bacteria do not grow, so we can maintain an infection-free environment in our healthcare settings," Associate Professor Vipul Bansal from RMIT's School of Applied Sciences said.

"We may also have dressings and Band-Aids that can kill bacteria in the wound, resulting in faster healing. These will all have a major impact on the cost of the Australian healthcare system," Bansal said in the article.

The RMIT researchers found organic materials with semi-conductor properties can have superior antibacterial effects over metal salts of silver which are already known for their antibacterial properties, the article said.

Read the article.