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2008-10-10 Antibacterial clothes may revolutionize hospital and laboratory
fashion.

Technology based on coating the surface of inert particles with nanoparticles of precious metals, specifically silver, and using it for production of hospital and laboratory gowns may become a new trend revolutionizing septic standards. Highly reactive nanoparticles are known for their bactericidal, viricidal and fungicidal features. Scientists from Department of Chemical Technology of Gdansk University of Technology use those particles to construct novel, antibacterial fabric.

"We are working to obtain precious metals nanoparticles, mainly silver, on the surface of inert particles which you can give the fabric bactericidal and fungicidal properties. The fabric can be used for example in the manufacture of underwear and then it will be underwear, which will not develop micro-organisms" - said dr Adriana Zaleska from the PG Department of Chemical Technology.

She stressed that they do not favor the use of nanoparticles in production of all types of clothing. "We feel that this fabric should be used for special uses, such as lab coats or used in hospitals - in places potentially contaminated with multiple pathogenic micro-organisms, or used in combat, either in underwear or elements of a uniform production. They will not only prevent the growth of microorganisms e.g. in a hot climate, but also in case of physical injury will prevent development of infections "- explained dr Adriana Zaleska.

"Bactericidal features of silver has been known for centuries. It was observed that a silver coins placed prevented their deterioration" - said dr Adriana Zaleska.

Dr Zaleska said that their research attracted a company interested in development of method for production of synthetic fabrics with bactericidal features. Scientists from Gdansk has already developed a method for manufacture of antibacterial packaging film covered with silver nanoparticles.

"Currently our research is focused on obtaining nanoparticles of a certain size and to shape. It was found that the activity of nanoparticles vary between the particles of different size. At the same time, we are working on develop a technique for covering fabric with silver nanoparticles, simultaneously investigating bactericidal or fungicidal activity. Our goal to develop the most active area, but which will be made by using the smallest quantity of nanoparticles of silver or other metal "- said dr Zaleska.

M. Mackowski
Source: PAP