Features - Derma Silk and Protection from Bacterial and Fungal infection

An upsurge in the use of nanoparticles in such everyday items as beauty products and sports wear has led to a Royal Commission in the United Kingdom calling for further investigation and much closer supervision.

Scientists now have the ability to produce microscopic particles of substances known as Nano-particles. The properties of these materials can change as they get smaller and it is this difference in properties, plus the apparent lack of safety data and regulation that concerns the Commission.

For example, Nano silver, used in sports clothing to kill odour-producing bacteria, has been raised as a particular concern. Whilst proven to be successful as a short-term treatment for dressing wounds, the use of silver particles in clothing and items used on a daily basis is causing concern. With so little research having been undertaken, we know very little about the long term effects of silver usage on an individual and indeed the environment as a whole. Silver acts by leaching off the clothing and chemically poisoning bacteria and there is a concern that long term usage could lead to resistant bacteria and a build up of silver in the bodies of the wearers. Environmentalists also worry that when this substance, which is proven to be more toxic than bleach, is released into the environment through washing, there is nothing to stop particles entering the water system and potentially killing aquatic plants, fish and helpful bacteria.

The Commission is particularly concerned by the lack of research into nanoparticles, including silver, and the Commission chairman has even admitted to not letting his own family wear clothing containing such nanoparticles.

Interestingly, nano silver particles are not the only way of achieving an antimicrobial shield on fabrics. Espère Heathcare's DermaSilk Therapeutic Clothing and DermaTherapy Therapeutic Bedding are both protected by a non-migrating antimicrobial shield, called AEGIS which is bonded into the fabric. AEGIS has been used in hospitals for over 30 years and has proven ability to inhibit bacterial and fungal growth on fabrics such as operating theatre gowns. It acts by puncturing and electrocuting bacteria and fungi, causing their death. There is no chemical poisoning of the cells and no chemicals or nanoparticles are released onto the skin. This shield not only helps to reduce the possibility of secondary infections on aggravated skin, it has also been designed to allow for frequent washing and remains highly effective even after 50 washes.

The possibility of bacterial resistance developing is virtually zero because the shield acts by physically damaging the microbe cell walls rather than killing them by chemical toxins such as triclosan or silver. More importantly, there is no migration of the agent from the fabric to the skin so no risk of a build up of any toxic compounds on the delicate skin of the wearer.

This non-migrating form of antimicrobial protection offers a safe, clean, environmentally sound way to counter the potential threat of bacterial and fungal infections and has led to many of the DermaSilk garments being approved for use on prescription for helping children with delicate skin conditions such as eczema.

Page created: 23 january 2009