Now, copper textiles with permanent potent biocidal properties!
26 Dec '06
4 min read
Figure 2 - Biocidal Efficacy
Figure 3. a) Antiviral non-woven mask containing 3% copper impregnated polypropylene fibers (w/w). b) Antifungal and antibacterial socks that cure athlete's foot. These socks received the approval of the American Podiatric Medical Association. The soles of the socks contain 12% copper impregnated polyester fibers with 1% (w/w) copper oxide content.
The potency and the kill rate of the fabrics depend on the final percentage and load of the copper oxide plated or impregnated fibers in the fabrics. The biocidal properties of the fabrics are permanent and sustained even following washing and use (Figures 1 and 2). Animal and human studies have demonstrated that these fibers do not possess skin sensitization properties (3,4).
This technology thus facilitates the production of anti-viral masks (Fig 3a), gloves and filters (which deactivate HIV-1, flu and other viruses; Ref 3); anti-bacterial fabrics (which kill antibiotic resistant bacteria, including MRSA and VRE; Ref 3 and 4); anti-fungal socks (which cure athlete's foot; Fig 3b, Ref 4 and manuscript in preparation); anti-dust mite mattress-covers (which reduce mite-related allergies; Ref 3) and gauze (which is highly effective in promoting skin regeneration, closure of chronic wounds and the alleviation of bed sores; manuscript in preparation).
References 1. Dollwet, H. H. A. and Sorenson, J. R. J. (2001) Trace Elements in Medicine 2, 80-87. 2. Borkow, G., and Gabbay, J. (2005) Copper as a biocidal tool. Current Medicinal Chemistry 12(18): 2163-75.
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