Reduce Cross Infections:
The Role of Textiles in Hospital Infection Control
Hospital linen is a potential source of Healthcare-associate infections.
Nosocomial pathogens can survive on textiles for prolonged periods at room temperature. Bacteria survival was longest on polyester (up to 206 days), while on cotton and mixed fibers it was up to 90 days for some species.
(Kampf, 2020)
Antimicrobial fabric with biocides
The application of different antimicrobials on textiles reduces infections, but it can be risky for health and the environment.
Some bacteria exposed to the biocide
Survive and reproduce, leading to the selection of resistant bacterial strains.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
By 2050, the WHO estimates that there will be up 10 million deaths per year.
Superhydrophobicity to block bacterial multiplication in textiles
1970s
Start of research to replicate the lotus leaf effect
90-2000
Coatings of fabrics with micro and nano-scale structures
2010s
Integration of antimicrobial agents such as silver nano-particles or other biocidal substances into fabrics or coatings.
2020 Respectlife Innovation
Respectlife represent a new frontier in technical fabrics.
It starts with a raw materia used in surgery, know for its super-hydrophobic properties: by not absorbing water, it prevents bacteria from finding the moisture needed to produce biofilm and multiply.
The challenge of Respectlife
Our goal was to develop a continuous microfiber composed of filaments of exceptional fineness, weaving elastic or rigid fabrics without the use of chemical treatments. Thanks to exclusively mechanical processes, we managed to transfer hypoallergenic properties and compatibility with the human body from the material to the final fabric. Our fabrics provide minimal friction to respect the skin, do not disperse dust, and ensure lightness and breathability for maximum comfort.
Reduction of hospital waste:
To adopt more sustainable practices in the hospital setting not only contributes to a cleaner environment but also helps preserve resources for future generations.
The use of disposable textiles in hospitals reduces the risk of cross-infections, but it generates a huge amount of waste.
Switching to multifunctional textiles can greatly reduce environmental impact
•64% reduction in energy and natural resource consumption
• 66% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions
• 83% reduction in blue water consumption
Archive of scientific article
emergency antimicrobial resistance, and hospital waste
Respectlife Pavia mail: info@respectlife.it phone: +39 345 2861700
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