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Hospital Disinfection: Textiles Inhibit Pathogen Spread

Release date:2024-05-20 Source:https://www.medica-tradefair.com/en/disposables/disinfection-hospitals-textiles-inhibit-pathogens Author: Peter Wick

Antimicrobial textiles can significantly curb the spread of pathogens in hospitals. They reduce the amount of disinfection required by staff and enhance patient protection against infections. Empa in Switzerland has conducted a study on coating hospital curtains with antimicrobial substances.

 

In an interview with MEDICA-tradefair.com, Prof. Peter Wick explains the development of a textile coating process in collaboration with BASF, and its potential applications.

 

**Interview Excerpt:**

 

**Prof. Wick, what prompted this study?**

 

*Prof. Peter Wick:* During the pandemic, interruptions in the supply chain for protective and hygiene materials were a significant issue. Our goal at Empa was to find a simple method to coat existing textiles with antimicrobials to address this gap.

 

**How does the coating process work?**

 

*Wick:* We developed a roll-to-roll process using an antimicrobial solution from BASF. Textiles pass through a container with the solution, are evenly coated by rollers, and excess liquid is squeezed out. This process is reproducible, achieving uniform coating in one to three passes. It can be adapted for synthetic and natural fibers by adjusting the solution dilution, throughput speed, and roller pressure. The antimicrobial substances are bound by drying, not covalent bonds, and the coating remains stable for at least six months if stored properly.

 

**What other applications could this process have?**

 

*Wick:* Hospital curtains were just one example. Hygiene experts might find additional applications for coated textiles in managing infectious diseases. We ensured the coating's stability by testing fabric bending and rubbing, and found that it didn't significantly remove the coating. Safety tests indicated no irritation to healthy skin, and brief contact with the textiles posed no acute risk.

 

**How did the collaboration with BASF and other partners function?**

 

*Wick:* Empa has a long-standing collaboration with BASF, working together on various EU projects. We also collaborated with TU Berlin through a doctoral student, and during the pandemic, we consulted with the Spiez laboratory for antiviral activities and data interpretation.

 

**Are there plans for further development or new products?**

 

*Wick:* Currently, there are no further plans. However, if supply chains are disrupted again, demand for this coating process could arise quickly. Recognizing a need would expedite production, and we are prepared to assist with necessary adjustments and pass on our expertise.