Founded in 2014, Nano Textile aims to solve the phenomenon of hospital inmates coming down and sometimes dying with infections that they picked up in the hospital.
The start-up’s method embeds nanoparticles of zinc-oxide (ZnO), known for its antibacterial properties even against antibiotic-resistant strains, onto natural and synthetic fabrics. Ultrasound radiation forms colorless ZnO nanoparticles that are “thrown” onto a textile’s surface at high speed so they strongly adhere. The particles can be applied to any readymade fabric and does not alter the fabric’s color. It is extremely cost-effective.
Chemistry Prof. Aharon Gedanken, an adviser to the company, explains
“Our technology can be used for inserting antibacterial characteristics to staff uniforms, patients’ pajamas, linen, blankets and curtains.”
Hospital-acquired infections affects 511 million patients worldwide at a cost of $12 billion per year in Europe alone, with the greatest risk for the elderly and chronically sick who may die from an secondary infection that they picked up in the hospital.
This antibacterial fabric technology is also relevant to a variety of other industries such as airplanes, trains and luxury cars; babywear, sports clothing and undergarments; bandages, and restaurants and hotels.
Independent studies done in labs in Spain and England showed that Nano Textile’s coated cotton and polyester still killed bacteria efficiently after 65 washings in high-temperature hospital washing machines.
