Kodak agent for medical

PurThread Technologies, based in Durham, North Carolina, is collaborating with Eastman Kodak has obtained the globally exclusive right to embed its antimicrobial agent into fibres.

The proprietary antimicrobial technology is derived from Kodak’s long expertise in the production of photosensitive materials for use in the production of photographic products.

PurThread’s process embeds Kodak’s antimicrobial agent into synthetic fibres before they are spun, ensuring the antimicrobial effects of the fabric are uniform and constant throughout the life of the product.

Currently, PurThread’s product line includes healthcare textiles, such as medical scrubs, lab coats, privacy curtains and linens, as well as fitness apparel, such as polo shirts and base layers. The company is also partnering with leaders in the textile and nonwovens industries to bring the technology to discerning consumer brands.

“We are extremely pleased with the efficacy of Kodak’s antimicrobial agent and their stewardship in the development of our textile technology,” said Lisa Grimes, president and CEO of PurThread Technologies. “With Kodak’s superior technology, our products have delivered consistently high marks for effectiveness in protecting fabrics from odour-causing organisms. We look forward to continuing research into how our tproducts can play a part in comprehensive infection control strategies.”

“The antimicrobial technology sector is an exciting new venture for Kodak,” said Tom McHugh, general manager for Kodak’s Digital Printing and Enterprise segment. “Because of PurThread’s unique manufacturing process and expertise in the textile industry, we are delighted to be working with them to bring to market products using our propriety materials and technology..”

A double-blind randomised controlled trial published in December found that PurThread privacy curtains resisted contamination seven times longer than control curtains – which were also eight times more likely to be contaminated with the superbug VRE . This study, conducted by the University of Iowa, is the only randomised controlled trial to examine the role of antimicrobial privacy curtains.