Dr. Olderman to Highlight Antimicrobial Protection in Textiles Applications at Orlando Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) February 4, 2008 -- GAINESVILLE, Florida – February 4, 2008 - Quick-Med Technologies’ Vice President of Research & Development and Commercialization, Gerald M. Olderman, Ph.D., presented “Unique and New: A Bonded Antimicrobial Concept,” at the recent Summit Session on Antimicrobials in Plastic and Textile Applications Conference. Dr. Olderman’s presentation showcased the multiple advantages of Quick-Med Technologies’ patented NIMBUS® antimicrobial technology and emphasized the uniqueness of a bonded antimicrobial.

NIMBUS is the only commercially available antimicrobial technology in which a large, multi-active polymer is permanently bonded to any of a number of base materials. NIMBUS is an acronym for Novel Intrinsic Micro-Bonded Utility Substrate.

Ordinary commercial antimicrobials work by “releasing” or “leaching” their active agents. Sooner or later, this results in depletion of the agent which has several significant drawbacks including loss of antimicrobial protection and an increase in likelihood of spawning antimicrobial resistance (i.e. so called “super bugs”) as levels drop below the levels needed for effective microbial kill rates. Because NIMBUS is permanently bonded and does not deplete, it will not fall below the level needed to achieve inactivation (kill microbes) and thus avoids the potential for bacteria to develop a resistance. Studies conducted by the company, as well as by independent laboratories, demonstrate that NIMBUS is highly effective, including against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (“MRSA”) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (“VRE”), two of the most significant antibiotic-resistant organisms responsible for hospital-acquired and community-acquired infections.

Previous attempts to offer a “bonded” antimicrobial have been limited to small molecules which are not capable of the strong permanent bonding achieved by NIMBUS. These prior materials can be adequate for short-duration uses where strong, long-lasting performance is not required. However, the relatively small size of the molecule means that they are also prone to being blinded or otherwise loosing effectiveness in high challenge applications.

The powerful breakthrough NIMBUS® antimicrobial technology offers many other benefits that arise out of its permanence on the substrate. Because it remains at a fixed level of concentration, it especially lends itself to reusability and repeated launderability, even high levels of commercial or industrial laundering. NIMBUS is well suited for the many applications where persistent, extended action is required such as apparel for underwear, t-shirts to high performance textiles as well as commercial and military uniforms, medical apparel, hospitals, hotel and hospitality industries. Additionally, it is well suited for medical devices and other consumer products. And because NIMBUS was originally developed for wound care applications, it maintains its effectiveness in the presence of blood, body fluids and other “high-challenge” situations. It is a low cost solution to many commercial requirements for a versatile product that can be customized to meet customer needs.

Another benefit of the permanence of NIMBUS technology in would care applications is the fact that because it is not free to migrate it cannot enter a wound and interfere with healing. It provides safe, effective, long lasting and highly affordable antimicrobial protection on the wound care device providing clean barrier protection without antimicrobial agents entering the body.

NIMBUS is a safe and environmentally sound antimicrobial technology that provides long-lasting microbial protection at a fraction of the cost of today’s leading antimicrobials. This technology has all the attributes a consumer products company or apparel and textile company is looking for, highly effective and permanent, safe and non-toxic, environmentally friendly, low cost, and no additional capital cost of equipment.

antimicrobial     mrsa     NIMBUS     VRE