HOSPITALS could have a new weapon in fighting the superbug MRSA thanks to a Gwent company nominated for an innovation award.

Abertillery-based SteriTouch has developed a special powder which is added to plastics, paints or varnishes to kill a wide range of bacteria, including MRSA (methycillin resistant staphylococcus aureus), e-coli and salmonella.

SteriTouch products already on sale include disposable pens, computer keyboard covers and clipboards.

One company is hoping to add it to door handles and paint for use in hospital wards.

The rate of infection by the potentially fatal MRSA bug fell in Gwent hospitals last year, but 44 patients were found to have the infection.

The use of SteriTouch could help prevent the disease being passed from patient to patient.

One of the company's directors, Nick Corlett, said: "It could be used to coat the frame of a hospital bed or paint an entire ward for just a couple of pounds."

Another company plans to make reusable water bottles containing the antimicrobial powder for use by schoolchildren.

SteriTouch took two years to develop and became commercially available in October.

It stops bacterial walls reforming when the cells try to multiply. Independent laboratory tests showed bacteria were reduced by 99.99 per cent within 24 hours of coming into contact with SteriTouch products. Bacteria such as MRSA can survive on material like door handles or curtains for several weeks.

Simulated tests have also found that the SteriTouch should remain fully effective after nine years. It does not need any treatment to maintain its effectiveness.

Since October directors of the Roseheyworth Business Park-based company, Huw Durban and Mr Corlett, have seen a huge amount of interest.

Mr Corlett said: "This is not going to replace good hygiene, but it will complement good practices."

SteriTouch is one of 16 finalists in the Technium Challenge 2006 business planning competition.

The competition helps new technology businesses with develop business plans.

Thirty businesses entered the competition and the winner will be announced on May 18 at an event in Cardiff.