In Germany, 400,000 to 600,000 patients contract hospital-acquired infections every year, some of which can be prevented or influenced. Against this background, the use of antimicrobial functionalized clothing by hospital or nursing staff makes a significant contribution to minimizing the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Taking up this topic, the DITF and the company Heraeus are investigating the innovative antimicrobial technology AGXX. The mechanism of action of AGXX is based on a catalytic redox reaction in which moisture and oxygen are converted into reactive oxygen species (ROS), which ultimately kill the microorganisms. The effectiveness of AGXX has already been proven by the developers of AGXX particles against more than 130 different microorganisms, including germs with multiple resistance to antibiotics. As the catalytic AGXX technology is not based on the leaching of metal ions, as is the case with conventional silver technologies, nor on the release of environmentally harmful substances, it is not consumed over time and has a long-lasting effect.
In a joint project, the DITF and Heraeus are working on the integration of AGXX in medical textiles in the form of ad ditives in fibre production and surface functionalization. The tests show that AGXX particles in fibers and textile finishes – depending on parameters such as concentration and polymer type – can have an excellent antimicrobial effect. Extensive developments and laboratory tests are currently being carried out on the effect, resistance and usage properties.
The economic viability aims to establish and expand the use of AGXX particles in everyday, professional and medical applications. In addition to the application envisaged here for the treatment of work clothing for nursing and care staff, the potential for adaptation for other applications is considered to be very high.
