To face the health emergency of Coronavirus, Kolzer has made available expertise and machines for silver nanoparticles application on any substrate, including masks and other medical devices. Silver nanoparticles are in fact able to inhibit virus infection and prevent viral migration.
Kolzer, a company from Cologno Monzese (MI) specialized in the production of PVD machines, offers its machinery for the deposition of silver nanoparticles on various materials, including textiles.
"In our headquarters in Cologno Monzese we have about 6 industrial reactors available and ready to use for the production and deposition of silver particles," says Antonio D'Esposito, owner of Kolzer. "We are able to deposit silver nanoparticles on any substrate even with various sizes, including flexible materials such as masks and textiles."
The deposition of silver thin layer on materials dedicated for medical use is not new to Kolzer. In 2008, the company collaborated with the Niguarda hospital in Milan, carrying out several tests on gauze and textile that have returned excellent results.
"We have already started coating the first fabric / non-woven masks currently in circulation, obtaining a mask with an antibacterial, water-repellent, waterproof, ionizing and thermoregulating device characteristics", says D'Esposito. "We therefore want to spread the message as much as possible: we are available to the community, the competent authorities and the companies interested in this type of treatments".
The antibacterial and antiviral properties of silver
Silver is notoriously used in medicine for its antibacterial and biocidal effect and for its non-toxicity for humans being. It is often incorporated into gauze, creams and as a germicidal coating in various medical devices.
The antibacterial properties of silver depends on the silver ion (Ag +) which is biologically active and is able to irreversibly damage the key system of enzymes in the membrane of pathogens.
A study of the Vaccinia virus showed that the 25 nm silver thin layer inhibited its replication, preventing viral entrance. The silver nanoparticles have in fact caused a reduction from 4 to 5 log of the viral titre to non-toxic concentrations for the cells. The virus was therefore able to absorb cells but could not enter into the cells with silver nanoparticles. Virus particles that had adsorbed into cells in the silver nanoparticles were infectious at the time of removal from the cells, indicating the lack of direct virucidal effect.
How to contact Kolzer
KOLZER SRL
via Francia, 4
20093 Cologno Monzese (Milano)
+39 02 25 43 193
info@kolzer.com
www.kolzer.com