New Antimicrobial Technology Continuously Kills MRSA

A novel self-sanitizing fiber has been found to be 99.99% effective in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria to below the level of detection within one hour.

The Fosshield fiber has a natural balance of silver and copper embedded into the fiber during manufacture; moisture in the environment initiates the release of silver and copper ions from the fiber, which disable the microbe's metabolism, inactivating them. The potential for continuous release ensures long lasting antimicrobial performance. The antimicrobial technology was shown at studies conducted at the University of Arizona (Tucson, USA) to continuously kill MRSA and a number of other bacteria including Streptococcus pyogenes, Legionella pneumonphila (Legionnaries' disease), Haemophilus influenzae, and Tuberculosis (TB). Results indicated a consistent and significant reduction in bacteria after one hour. More extensive evaluation studies are also underway for viruses. The Fosshield is a product of Foss Manufacturing Company (Hampton, NH, USA).

"This ability to inactivate microbes in the environment on a continuous basis is important because bacteria, including MRSA, can survive in a variety of conditions for long periods of time and can spread via dust particles, clothing, furniture, or hospital equipment that have been in contact with infected patients,” said Charles P. Gerba, Ph.D., a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona. "MRSA is emerging and spreading worldwide, and the number of infections is increasing outside the hospital setting. Therefore, it is important to broaden our arsenal beyond therapeutic options to include built-in protective measures involving high-traffic areas and materials in our environment.”


Related Links:
University of Arizona
Foss Manufacturing Company