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An exciting use for an old element.
Microbial infections are a big problem these days, killing
thousands of people a year. In fact, some bacteria are responding
to attempts to kill them by mutating into resistant strains.
But there’s an answer, and it lies in one of the world’s
oldest antimicrobial agents: silver.
Silver disrupts the development cycle of bacteria, inhibiting
its growth. It’s effective against more than 650 strains
of bacteria, yeast, fungi and molds – yet it’s safe
for humans and for the environment.
ADD SILVERion™, SUBTRACT MICROBES.
Almost any fabric made by Domestic Fabrics can
include the SILVERion™ antimicrobial feature. We use
a special technology that embeds an invisible silver compound
in the fibers comprising the fabric.
SILVERion™ fabrics actually combat the spread of infection,
retard odor and wash cleaner than conventional fabrics.
And, as an added benefit, they resist discoloration.
What’s more, the antimicrobial protection is permanent
– it even stands up against harsh commercial laundering.
As long as the item made with the fabric is around, the protection
is active.
IT'S ALREADY GAINED A LOT OF ATTENTION.
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enclosed, isolated environments, microbes can pose a major
health hazard. Think, for example, what could happen with
bacterial growth aboard the International Space Station.
The folks at NASA thought a lot about it. And we’re
now working with them on special items – clothes, sheets
and towels – made from our SILVERion™ antimicrobial
fabrics.
To train for the challenges of life aboard the Space Station,
astronauts spend time in a confined environment at NASA’s
Extreme Environment Mission Operations. The underwater lab,
owned by NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration),
is situated deep in the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s an environment that is moist, enclosed, and isolated
– an environment in which bacteria, mold and mildew can
thrive and quickly become a problem.
We made clothing and linens for the astronauts from fabrics
that included our SILVERion™ antimicrobial feature and
they were thoroughly tested in this facility.
They passed the test with flying colors.
In fact, NASA asked us to work up similar items for the astronauts
to use at the actual space station.
We, of course, were only too happy to oblige.
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