Scientists have revealed the world's first antimicrobial medical gloves, which could help avoid the spread of infections in hospitals across the world.
Image: The new antimicrobial medical gloves were developed to prevent the spread of infection. Photo: courtesy of The University of Nottingham.
Medical glove makers Hartalega has funded and supported antimicrobial research and development firm Chemical Intelligence UK to develop new gloves.
The University of Nottingham microbiologist professor Emeritus Richard James, and chemist and Nottingham alumnus Dr Paul WighDr Paul Wight were also involved in the development of world’s first non-leaching antimicrobial medical gloves.
Professor James said: “I am delighted that my lifetime’s research into bacteria and antibiotic resistance has directly informed the science behind a practical tool that will have a major impact on medical care in the future.”
The gloves are said to include new active microorganism-killing molecule, which can prevent the spread of bacteria to and from surfaces and people.
According to the University of Nottingham, the gloves achieved up to a 99.9% kill within just five minutes of contact in independent testing.
Part of the testing was conducted in the advanced microscopy unit at the the University of Nottingham’s Centre for Biomolecular Science.
Hartalega Holdings Berhad managing director Kuan Mun Leong said: “In the European Union alone, cross-contamination in hospitals results in 37,000 deaths a year at an additional cost of 7 billion euros.
“By renovating a medical device that has not been remodelled in over 30 years, our innovation is set to make waves in the healthcare industry and save lives across the globe.”
Since last six years, the product has been in the research and development phase and completed various stages of testing.
The companies are planning to make the gloves available to the hospitals across the globe through establishing manufacturing partnership with various glove makers.
Chemical Intelligence UK founder Rob Gros said: “After years of development, we are delighted to finally release this product to market and truly believe it will make a significant difference in the fight against healthcare associated infections (HAIs).”