New Fabric Treatment Provides Protection From Bacteria, Mold & Mildew

Furniture World News

A breakthrough, patented technology recently introduced to market has been shown to provide textiles, including those for home furnishings, with a long-lasting, non-leaching shield against microbial contamination. This unique antimicrobial can be applied to any textile or existing furniture and it will dramatically reduce the presence of bacteria and fungi, such as mold and mildew, and those organisms which cause odor and staining, according to NBS Technology, LLC, of Locust Valley, New York, which owns an exclusive long-term global license for the technology. The technology, which NBS is marketing under the trade name Goldshield™, is the world’s first water-stabilized antimicrobial formulation providing a long-term residual disinfecting action. Goldshield™ is the first commercial application of technology developed at Emory University which received three U.S. and several International patents. While NBS will be seeking to introduce its products to a wide array of industries, the company is placing special emphasis on the textile and home furnishing market, according to President/CEO Tom Higgins. “There is significant opportunity for textile and furniture manufacturers to create products with enhanced value using this antimicrobial technology,” he said. “For example, carpets, drapes, furniture fabrics, linens, beddings and towels could be developed with built-in, long-term protection against bacteria which causes odor and staining. Furthermore, it will mitigate the mold and mildew associated with textiles. From a commercial perspective, it will also be helpful in preventing cross contamination of these microbes and some viruses.” Goldshield™ formulas are easy to apply to textiles, either by padding or exhausting on to the material during the finishing stage of production. In addition, the formula can be sold as a spray to be applied to textile products as an after-market application. Once it dries, it becomes permanently affixed and begins its protective activities. There is no visible change in the fabric appearance or hand-feel. It is also not limited to interior design as it can be applied to out-door furniture, and umbrellas to prevent the growth of mold and algae fungi. Based on a variety of testing, Goldshield™ technology has been demonstrated to be a broad-spectrum algaecide, bactericide and fungicide; specifically, it has shown to be effective against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Salmonella, E.coli and other hardy bacteria such as those which cause odor and staining of textiles. In the case of textiles, Goldshield™ formulas have demonstrated continued effectiveness after 50 washings. Goldshield™ bonds covalently with virtually any organic and inorganic surfaces. Once bonded, it will not leach off or migrate, rendering the surfaces inhospitable to microbes for a long period of time. In addition, because it is aqueous-based - unlike other antimicrobial agents that modify surfaces – it is non-toxic, non-flammable and otherwise environmentally benign. Another significant advantage of Goldshield™ over conventional disinfectants and antimicrobials is that there is no known or anticipated risk for pathogens to genetically adapt. “This technology represents a significant step forward,” Mr. Higgins said. “It can revolutionize the approach to disinfection and the prevention of cross-contamination in numerous industrial sectors.” NBS is seeking to develop relationships with users and distributors of its products worldwide. For more information, contact: NBS Technology email: enbst@optonline.net.