Infection-Fighting Fabric

The increase in antibiotic-resistant micro-organisms and the growing number of immuno-compromised patients have made hospital-acquired infections a significant problem worldwide. They often occur as a result of contact with hospital gowns and linens, but a new fabric treatment may help to curb the spread of these infections before they can get to patients and staff.

The first step involves the application of enzymes, which serve to improve adhesion of antimicrobial zinc nanoparticles and biopolymers that are deposited under ultrasonic radiation. The fabric itself also incorporates zinc and chitosan nanoparticles to eliminate bacteria and prevent the growth of new microbes.

Tests on the new material show that it retains its infection-fighting properties even after 70 laundry cycles. Two installations – one in Italy and one in Romania – are currently manufacturing gowns and linens for testing.