Durham, N.C.-based antimicrobial textile technology provider PurThread Technologies Inc. and Rochester, N.Y.-based Eastman Kodak Co. have signed a globally exclusive agreement with under which PurThread will embed Kodak's antimicrobial agent into medical textiles and other high-performance fabrics.
PurThread's award-winning process involves embedding Kodak's antimicrobial agent into man-made fibers at the fiber manufacturing stage, ensuring uniformity and permanent efficacy in the finished product. The proprietary antimicrobial technology stems from Kodak's know-how related to producing photosensitive materials used in the manufacture of photographic products.
PurThread currently manufactures medical scrubs, lab coats, privacy curtains, linens, and fitness apparel such as polo shirts and base layers. The company reports it is working with textile industry leaders to manufacture its products and introduce the antimicrobial technology to 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, PurThread Technologies. "With Kodak's superior technology, our products have delivered consistently high marks for effectiveness in protecting fabrics from odor-causing organisms. We look forward to continuing research into how our textile products 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, Materials Technology and Business Development, 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. We look forward to building on this relationship with PurThread."
A double-blind randomized controlled trial conducted in 2012 by the University of Iowa found that PurThread's privacy curtains resisted contamination seven times longer than the control curtains, which were eight times more likely than PurThread's curtains to be contaminated with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus bacteria.
