<p>➀ Scientists have developed copper oxide nanoparticles that can be coated onto implanted medical devices to reduce the risk of infection after operations.</p><p>➁ The research showed that both dip and spray coating techniques were effective at demonstrating antimicrobial activity and protecting against a range of clinically relevant bacteria.</p><p>➂ The coating remains non-toxic to human cells, and copper has emerged as a viable alternative to silver, which is susceptible to oxidation.</p>