US firm develops textile technology to help combat HAIs
Vestagen Technical Textiles of Orlando, Florida has introduced the first products in the Vestex range of nanotechnology-based specialist healthcare textiles for use in areas where clothing can be contaminated with infection-causing bacteria.
The company has combined three patented Swiss technologies, for which it holds an exclusive North American licence, to create a combination that can be applied to any single layer of fabric.
The three Schoeller technologies include NanoSphere, which uses fluorine/silicon oxide-based nanotechnology to create textiles that are naturally self-cleaning and repellent to bodily fluids, water, oil, dirt and dust.
Semeltec uses an EPA- registered quaternary ammonium chloride-based agent to kill a range of micro-organisms, including MRSA. Its broad spectrum of activity is said to be effective against 40 bacteria, 26 fungi, eight algae, two yeasts and has documented antiviral activity.
The third technology is 3XDry, which allows textiles to wick away moisture from the inside, enabling rapid evaporation of moisture, which stimulates a cooling effect and creates faster-drying textiles.
According to Vestagen, Vestex personal and professional wear repels fluids; has documented and registered antimicrobial properties impregnated in the clothing to resist contamination; rapidly kills microbes; is durable; minimises odour and is naturally self cleaning.
“Infections are becoming more widespread in our society, and nowhere is that more evident than in our nation’s hospitals,” said Richard Wenzel, professor and former chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Centre. “This innovative nanotechnology-based textile may prove to be an important component in a hospital's infection control efforts.”
“Vestagen is committed to providing advanced, antimicrobial, nanotechnology-based healthcare specialty textile products for our nation's health care workers," said Ben Favret founder and ceo of Vestagen. “We intend for Vestex, which combines protection, quality and comfort with traditional, identifiable styles of medical wear, to set a new technical standard for health care worker uniforms.”
The first line of Vestex apparel will include scrub pants and tops in a variety of colours, long sleeved T-shirts and lab coats. There will be a national roll-out in the US in spring 2010.
Contact www.vestagen.com
