Innovative Fosshield Antimicrobial Technology Shown To Continuously Kill MRSA 'Superbug'
Hampton, NH - Foss Manufacturing Company, the first company to successfully embed a natural balance of silver and copper into fiber, has recently announced that its Fosshield patented technology is 99.99% effective in killing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria to below the level of detection within one hour. The self-sanitizing fiber, soon to be used in a wide range of products found in schools, offices, homes, and communal environments, provides continuous antimicrobial protection against MRSA. MRSA is a type of Staphylococcus aureus (staph) resistant to certain antibiotics including methicillin and the more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, cephalexin and amoxicillin. MRSA incidence is on the rise in the U.S. and it has now become recognized as a major community-acquired pathogen and growing crisis.
It is known that MRSA survives longer on fabric than other surfaces. Therefore, the novel Fosshield technology becomes part of the long-term solution to this crisis and an integral part of environmental counter-strategies in the fight against the spread of antibiotic-resistant infection.
"Results from our independent laboratory studies have shown that the Fosshield technology kills MRSA as well as a broad spectrum of bacteria capable of airborne transmission to levels below detection within one hour, and in some instances less than 10 minutes, and also exhibits anti-viral activity," said Charles P. Gerba, Ph.D., Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science at University of Arizona.
"The key to the effectiveness of Fosshield's antimicrobial agent is the unique and balanced combination of nature's own active ingredients -- silver and copper," said Dave Cicchinelli, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Foss Manufacturing. "Moisture in the environment, the same moisture required for microbes to grow, initiates the release of silver and copper ions from the fibers on demand. These ions disable the microbe's metabolism, inactivating them. The continuous release ensures long lasting antimicrobial performance."
According to Dr. Gerba, 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.
"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," said Dr. Gerba.
MRSA and Broad-Spectrum Protection Data
In independent studies led by Dr. Gerba, Fosshield Antimicrobial Technology was shown to continuously kill MRSA and a number of other bacteria including Streptococcus pyogenes (strep), Legionella pneumonphila (Legionnaries' disease), Haemophilus influenzae (flu) and Tuberculosis (TB). Results indicated a consistent and significant reduction in bacteria after one hour. More extensive evaluation studies are also underway for viruses.
"Consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the threat of germs and mold, and the damage bacteria can cause in our schools, homes, offices and cars," continued Dave Cicchinelli. "Fosshield can provide continuous, affordable and natural antimicrobial protection in those fabrics surrounding us everyday. Manufacturers of durable goods are responding with a wide variety of Fosshield applications in apparel/footwear, carpeting, wall covering, linens, hospitality, filtration, healthcare and transportation."
From Technology to Product - SpectraShield 9900 Respirator Mask
One of the most high profile product applications of the Fosshield technology is Nexera Medical's SpectraShield 9900 Antibacterial Respirator Mask which recently received a Medical Device Establishment License by Health Canada for distribution in Canada. The SpectraShield 9900 is believed to be the only face mask today that is approved to provide ‘dual-action', broad-spectrum protection, which may be critical in the event of a major public health crisis. Nexera Medical, Inc. has filed for regulatory approval with the FDA and NIOSH in the United States, and is seeking approval in the European Union, Australia and Japan.
SOURCE: Fosshield Antimicrobial Technology