Textile that disinfects itself developed for hospital use
Researchers at a University of Leeds spin-off have created a self-disinfecting textile that can reduce bacterial contamination by over 90%. The Surfaceskins material can be used on hospital doors to lower the risk of disease transmission from contaminated hands. Doors, in particular, are hygiene risks because of the number of times they come into contact with contaminants. When it is pushed, the material dispenses a small amount of alcohol gel from tiny valves that disinfects the surface. The device needs to be replaced after 1,000 pushes or once a week.

Close up of a Surfaceskins device showing the tiny valves that 'pump' alcohol gel onto the surface. Credit: Surfaceskins

Scientists have developed a novel weapon in the battle against deadly hospital-acquired infections - a textile that disinfects itself.

And independent tests show it can reduce bacteria levels by more than 90 per cent.

By incorporating the specially-engineered textile in a device designed to be used on hospital doors instead of the traditional aluminium door plate, that part of the door that people push to open it - they aim to bolster hand hygiene.

The self-disinfecting device - known as Surfaceskins - has been developed by a spin out company from the University of Leeds and is the culmination of seven years research and development.

Hospital doors are recognised as a key weak link in hygiene because of the number of times people touch them.

It takes just one person with dirty hands to pass through a door to put everyone else who follows at risk of cross contamination.

Surfaceskins antibacterial door pads work by dispensing a small quantity of alcohol gel onto the pad when it is pushed, to disinfect the surface ready for the next person to use the door.

This low-cost device, which incorporates three separate nonwoven textiles is designed to be replaced after seven days or one thousand pushes, whichever comes sooner.

Surfaceskins antibacterial door pads are not meant to replace the strict handwashing rules in hospitals, but instead provide an extra line of defence by helping clean hands to stay clean. Experts expect that Surfaceskins will increase people's awareness of the importance of washing hands and hand hygiene.

A study into the effectiveness of the new technology has just been published in the Journal of Hospital Infection.

Image shows a Surfaceskins device attached to a door. Credit: Surfaceskins

At the start of the study, both the Surfaceskins and control aluminium door plates were inoculated with bacteria at levels found on the hands of hospital staff. The study concluded that the Surfaceskins door pads were more effective than standard door plates over seven days in reducing the levels of three bacteria that commonly cause hospital-acquired infections: S. aureus, E. coli and E. faecalis.

Mark Wilcox, Professor of Medical Microbiology at the University, who led the independent evaluation, said: "Our results suggest that Surfaceskins door pads can help to reduce the contamination of doors by microbes."

"They offer a new way to reduce the risk of the spread of bacteria and viruses in hospital environments and other settings where frequent contact with doors could undermine hand hygiene."

Scale of hospital-acquired infections

According to data published in 2014 by the National Institute for Care and Excellence or NICE, 300,000 patients a year in England get hospital-acquired infections.

The infections mean increased treatment costs, estimated by NHS England to be around £1 billion a year, and put patients at risk of significant harm.

Surfaceskins technology

Four patents protect the innovation behind Surfaceskins. The device is fitted into a plastic holster which is attached to the door.

Surfaceskins contain a reservoir of alcohol gel and a membrane with tiny valves that dispense the gel onto the surface where it is pressed when opening a door, self-disinfecting it within seconds.

Chris Fowler, Chief Executive of the spin out that has developed the device, said: "Surfaceskins address a definite need, in a simple, effective and low-cost way. Designed to provide protection in many high-risk situations, the global market for Surfaceskins is immense.

Image shows a Surfaceskins device fitted to a hospital door. Credit: Surfaceskins

"In addition to the successful NHS trials, many organisations outside healthcare have expressed serious interest in introducing these self-disinfecting products. Surfaceskins can play an important role wherever door users have an interest in maintaining clean hands."

The company has also developed a door handle using the Surfaceskins technology.

Surfaceskins are being targeted at other industrial sectors where there is a need for meticulous hand hygiene such as in catering and hospitality. They could also be used on cruise ships where the spread of bacteria can lead to outbreaks of sickness.

On the back of successful trials and agreed distribution deals, Surfaceskins Ltd is now looking for £600,000 investment to expand their sales network and production capability at their Leeds-based facility.

Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute Ltd

Surfaceskins is a collaboration between the Nonwovens Innovation and Research Institute Ltd (NIRI), a spin out company from the University's School of Design, and two industrial designers, Adam Walker and Simon Scott-Harden.

NIRI helps companies bring new textile ideas to market or to enhance or improve existing products or manufacturing processes.

Since being established 12 years ago, NIRI, which has recently relocated into larger premises in Leeds City Centre, has successfully completed 400+ projects for over 200 clients.

Nonwovens is a group of textiles created by interlocking or bonding individual fibres or filaments together, and includes a wide range of products including wound dressings, nappies, filters, military clothing and imitation fur.

More information: E.L. Best et al, The potential of alcohol release doorplates to reduce surface contamination during hand contact, Journal of Hospital Infection (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2017.07.027