PurThread Technologies, Inc. and Eastman Kodak Company are collaborating to bring Kodak’s antimicrobial agent to the high performance and medical textile markets.

PurThread has obtained a globally exclusive agreement to embed Kodak’s antimicrobial agent into textile materials. PurThread’s 2013 TechAmerica Award-winning process embeds Kodak’s antimicrobial agent into synthetic fibers, before the fiber is spun into yarn and woven into fabric, ensuring that the antimicrobial effects of the fabric are uniform and constant throughout the life of the product. This proprietary antimicrobial technology is derived from Kodak’s longtime expertise related to the production of photosensitive materials for use in the production of photographic products.

Currently, PurThread’s product line includes healthcare textiles, such as medical scrubs, lab coats, privacy curtains and linens, as well as fitness apparel, like polo shirts and base layers. The company is also partnering with the textile industry to manufacture its products and bring this next-generation 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,” says Lisa Grimes, president and CEO of 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,” says Tom McHugh, general manager, materials technology and business development for 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 published in December found that PurThread privacy curtains resisted contamination 7 times longer than control curtains, which were also 8 times more likely to be contaminated with the superbug VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococci), compared to PurThread’s curtains. This study, conducted by the University of Iowa, is the only randomized controlled trial to examine the role of antimicrobial privacy curtains, according to the company.