Textiles with built-in infection protection – the invisible shield

Early in the morning, the shift begins at the ward. Nurse Nina puts on her work clothes – a routine she has been familiar with for years. What looks like ordinary fabric could soon offer a decisive advantage: invisible protection against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. This is because medical staff's clothing is exposed to a multitude of germs every day and can contribute to their spread without anyone noticing. But what if the fibers of the clothing concealed effective protection against infection, making it permanently safer?

Nosocomial infections are a major problem worldwide. Multiresistant germs such as MRSA pose significant health risks and place a strain on healthcare systems. Model calculations show that the global GDP loss due to antimicrobial resistance could amount to around US$1.7 trillion annually by 2050 – and in pessimistic scenarios even exceed US$3 trillion per year, according to the Center for Global Development and the World Bank.

In addition, traditional antimicrobial methods, such as silver ion technologies, are increasingly reaching their limits. Their effectiveness often cannot be controlled, resistance can develop, and regulatory requirements from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) restrict the possible applications.

The demand for new, sustainable solutions is correspondingly high – especially in hospitals and care facilities, where hygiene is crucial.

An approach with particular potential comes from the German Institutes for Textile and Fiber Research (DITF) in cooperation with Heraeus. Together, they are working on integrating AGXX technology into textiles.

What makes it special is that AGXX is based on a catalytic redox mechanism. Metal particles made of silver and ruthenium combine with air humidity to produce reactive oxygen species – molecules that reliably kill bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses. Unlike conventional methods, the particles are not consumed in the process and do not release any substances. This means that resistance cannot develop.

This is how AGXX differs from established processes such as biocides or silver ions:

For textiles, this means that long-lasting, broad-spectrum protection can be achieved either through special surface treatments or by incorporating the particles directly into plastic fibers such as polyamide. In this way, infection protection is permanently anchored in the material itself.

For nurse Nina, this could mean that her gown remains a safe companion even after long shifts – protecting her and her patients from unwanted germs.

Medical textiles are subject to special requirements: they must retain their function even after many wash cycles, must not lose their breathability, and must withstand high mechanical stress. This is precisely where the research work comes in.

The DITF is investigating various ways of incorporating AGXX into textiles – from finishes and coatings for polyester and polyamide fabrics to compounding in polymer melts such as PA6. The aim is to find the right balance: a sufficiently high concentration of AGXX particles for maximum protection without compromising the textile structure or wearing comfort.

Tests have already confirmed the strengths of AGXX technology - an overview of some examples:

The integration of AGXX into medical textiles opens up new possibilities for the clinical and care sectors: protective gowns, surgical clothing, curtains, and bed linen could themselves make an active contribution to infection control in the future.

Its long-lasting effect also offers sustainability benefits: reduced use of biocides and disinfectants, lower environmental impact, and cost savings.

The challenge in the coming years will be to transfer the findings from the laboratory to industrial textile production. The question of which regulatory hurdles need to be overcome also remains open.

Textiles have long been more than just passive protective layers. With technologies such as AGXX, they are becoming active partners in hygiene management. Research at the DITF shows that it is possible to permanently incorporate infection protection into fabrics without impairing their functional properties.

For Nina, this closes the circle: in the future, her work clothes could be not only functional but also actively protective – an invisible ally in the fight against infections.