We encounter viruses and bacteria everywhere in our daily lives and, of course, they do not stop at our clothing. Here, their spectrum ranges from causing unpleasant odors to trigger serious diseases. Conventional antimicrobial solutions often release substances such as metal ions, which in turn can be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment and also have a relatively short-term effect. A new technology called AGXX, on the other hand, uses a mechanism of action based on a catalytic reaction that provides long-lasting protection.
When harmful germs spread, they can not only affect the life of materials but also directly threaten human life. An important starting point in the fight against microorganisms here is the textiles we wear all the time and encounter everywhere. With them, antimicrobial equipment quickly pays off, especially in sensitive areas such as hospital and nursing home wards. Appropriately prepared workwear prevents the spread of contagious infections. The German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) and Heraeus Precious Metals, as developers and suppliers, are currently testing the incorporation of AGXX into textiles for the healthcare sector. In Germany alone, an estimated 20,000 people die each year as a result of hospital germs. But it doesn't just have to be a matter of life and death. The technology also ensures, for example, increased comfort in sportswear by preventing unpleasant perspiration odors, or a longer application time for textile filters.
