Hope in the fight against dangerous hospital germs
Microbiologist sees “significant contribution” from Bacterlon® technology in protecting against pathogens
Saarbrücken. A new scientific report fuels hope for sustainable success in the fight against dangerous hospital germs. Against the backdrop of dramatically increased infections by MRSA pathogens in Germany, Saarbrücken-based diploma biologist Dr. Thomas Jahns has analysed the “potential of antimicrobial surfaces to reduce the transmission of pathogens” in a scholarly paper. He concludes that the “Bacterlon®” technology, developed by the company Nanopool specialising in surface finishing, can make a “significant contribution” to protecting against pathogens. “In summary, from the numerous expert reports and studies conducted and presented in various clinics, medical practices, nursing homes, and independent laboratories, it can be concluded that the Bacterlon technology can make a significant contribution to reducing the rate of contact infections,” writes Dr. Jahns in his evaluation.
Recently, two scientific studies in Germany and Canada once again confirmed the effectiveness of the “Bacterlon®” technology in protecting against bacteria. “We are proud that our technology can contribute to preserving the health of many people,” said Nanopool Managing Director Sascha Schwindt following the release of results from two long-term studies in a senior home in Nalbach, Saarland, and at the University Hospital in Ottawa, Canada’s capital.
In the senior home operated by the Workers’ Welfare Association (AWO), the number of pathogens on surfaces treated with “Bacterlon®” was significantly reduced during a twelve-week test. Due to the antimicrobial finishing with a liquid glass-based solution, the germ load on floors, furniture, door handles, and light switches decreased by up to 95 percent. Given the general increase in such pathogens, which can particularly endanger the elderly, and the growing spread of the highly contagious Norovirus, AWO is now preparing to use “Bacterlon®” in more senior homes.
In the Ottawa hospital, following a successful pilot test, there is also consideration to expand the use of Nanopool’s liquid glass products. In Canada’s capital, extensive research selected a patient bed, a bedside table, and door handles, among others, for testing. Scientists from the Idexx Institute demonstrated a reduction of various bacteria by 69 to 100 percent. It was also found that the treated surfaces are easier to clean, thereby saving costs.
In November 2011, the globally operating family-owned company Nanopool® outperformed projects from the Cologne-based Max Planck Institute for Neurological Research and the Oberhausen Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental and Safety Technology, thus receiving the Science Award for the project “Liquid Glass Against Hospital Germs” from the initiative “Germany – Land of Ideas” under the patronage of President Christian Wulff.
