Copper Oxide Impregnated Textiles with Potent Biocidal Activities

Abstract

Impregnation or coating of cotton and polyester fibers with cationic copper endows them with potent broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimite properties (Borkow, G. and Gabbay, J. (2004). Putting Copper into Action: Copper-impregnated Products with Potent Biocidal Activities, FASEB Jounal, 18(14): 1728-1730). This durable platform technology enables the mass production of woven and non-woven fabrics, such as sheets, pillow covers, gowns, socks, air filters, mattress covers, carpets, etc. without the need of altering any industrial procedures or machinery, but only the introduction of copper oxide-treated fibers. The biocidal properties of fabrics containing 3-10% copper-impregnated fibers are permanent, are not affected by extreme washing conditions, and do not interfere with the manipulation of the final products (e.g., color, press, etc.). In this article, the authors describe data showing that (i) antifungal socks containing 10% w/w (weight/weight) copper-impregnated fibers alleviate athlete’s foot; (ii) antimicrobial fabrics (sheets) containing 10% (w/w) copper-impregnated fibers decrease bacterial colonization in a clinical setting; and (iii) these products do not have skin-sensitizing properties or any other adverse effects. Taken together, these results demonstrate the wide preventive and curative potential of copper oxide-impregnated apparel products.

Inactivation of bacteria under visible light and in the dark by Cu films. Advantages of Cu-HIPIMS-sputtered films

“…The Cu films avoid chemicals to clean/disinfect hospital rooms leaving residues after use (Kramer et al 2006). Recently, Gabbay et al (2006), Borkow and Gabbay (2008) and also Gedanken (2004) have reported the application of Cu textiles composites as antimicrobial surfaces.…”

Neutralizing Viruses in Suspensions by Copper Oxide-Based Filters

“…Recently, a durable platform technology was developed that introduces copper oxide into cotton fibers, latex, and other polymeric materials (2), endowing them with potent broadspectrum antibacterial and antifungal properties (4). Based on the wide-spectrum antiviral potency of copper (3), we hypothesized that passing suspensions spiked with viruses through filters containing copper oxide-impregnated fibers would result in the neutralization of these viruses.…”

Current approaches of managing microbial diseases: focus on nanosciences technique

“…In addition, Sau et al have been suggested other uses of CuNPs such as gas sensors [36], solar cells and lithium batteries [37]. CuNPs have been shown to inhibit the germination of microorganisms and to exhibit antiviral properties [38]. Also, CuNPs have been used in face masks, wound dressings and socks to capitalize on these biocidal qualities [39].…”