Reduces the spread of hospital-acquired illnesses
Reduces the spread of hospital-acquired illnesses
Reduces the spread of hospital-acquired illnesses
Copper and Zinc have the proven ability to kill viruses and bacteria including:
- Acinetobacter baumannii
- E. coli
- S. aureus
- ESBK K. pneumoniae
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa
- VRE Enterococcus faecalis.
Environmentally safe
Reduces the spread of hospital-acquired illnesses
Reduces the spread of hospital-acquired illnesses
The use of metal salts (copper or zinc) based nanoparticles in place of silver nanoparticles is important because there are growing concerns over the way in which the latter can remain in the environment when the treated fabric is discarded. The nanoparticles used in the SonoChem process readily decompose and dissolve harmlessly in water at the end of their useful life.
The widespread use of SonoChem’s antimicrobial textiles will save millions of pieces of disposable hospital wear and face masks, as our textiles can be washed in low temperature warm water and reused indefinitely.
Uniformity and control over nanoparticle size
A combination of metal oxides in fabric can be used
A combination of metal oxides in fabric can be used
The technology allows for nano particles to be spread homogenously throughout the treated fabric. This is critical to achieve 100% antimicrobial cover.
Due to the depth of penetration and method of attachment the nanoparticles do not leach out of the fabric, leading to greater longevity and consistent antimicrobial activity.
Improved uniformity and our ability to control nanoparticle size can offer tailored antimicrobial properties for specific market needs by variation of the fabric treatment.
A combination of metal oxides in fabric can be used
A combination of metal oxides in fabric can be used
A combination of metal oxides in fabric can be used
The use of mixed salt solutions allows for improved antimicrobial properties and a greater range of potential applications of the technology.
SonoChem products are superior to alternative solutions using silver
The European Union-led investigation into novel technologies to address the problem of hospital acquired illnesses (HAIs) specifically excluded the use of silver as a possible antimicrobial.
This is because there are growing concerns over the way in which silver nanoparticles may remain in the environment when treated fabrics are discarded. Also silver is significantly more expensive as a processing material (c. US$785,000/ton, compared to SonoChem’s copper or zinc oxides at around US$8,650/ton).
In addition, silver poses potential problems for urban water purification systems. As silver does not decompose in water it can cause problems including harming or destroying the "good'' bacteria that breaks down solids in these systems. It can also be a hazard to nascent marine life in rivers and oceans.
By comparison, copper and zinc oxide-produced nanoparticles harmlessly dissolve in water at the end of their active lives.
Exposure to silver nanoparticles in clothing may also cause DNA damage. Harvard and MIT researchers published a study on this in 2014. The European Union has recently banned the use of silver in some antimicrobial applications.
Similar regulations are likely in other countries in due course, including the United States and Australia.
OTHER EXTERNAL LINKS
An introduction to sonochemistry
Silver nanoparticles can cause cellular changes
Silver products under EU regulatory cloud
Sonochemistry is a branch of clinical research dealing with the chemical effects and applications of ultrasonic waves.
Silver products under EU regulatory cloud
Silver nanoparticles can cause cellular changes
Silver products under EU regulatory cloud
In late 2019 the European Union confirmed that certain silver products would not be approved for use in antimicrobial products.
Silver nanoparticles can cause cellular changes
Silver nanoparticles can cause cellular changes
Silver nanoparticles can cause cellular changes
Researchers have discovered that silver nanoparticles can cause cellular changes in humans by penetrating cell walls and forming free radicals. Silver nanoparticles have been used for a range of purposes including as an antibacterial product in sports apparel and bandages.