Hohenstein Institute Finds Antibacterial Textiles Containing Nanosilver To Be Safe

The Hohenstein Institute announced on January 10, 2011, that it completed a field study of the effect of antibacterial clothing containing nanosilver on skin flora and microclimate. According to the Institute, natural skin flora were unaffected, even after long periods of wear. A total of 60 healthy volunteers participated in the six-week study. Special t-shirts were made for the study, with an antibacterial treatment on one side (verum), while the other half served as a non-antibacterial placebo.  Researchers found that the skin flora and microclimate of healthy skin remained unaffected by the antibacterial t-shirts that were worn next to the skin:  no damage to the skin flora could be detected, i.e. no change to the total number of bacteria on the skin or variation in the range of bacteria.  The researchers concluded that the antibacterial textiles could, therefore, be classified as safe.  The researchers noted that, nevertheless, the antibacterial textiles are effective against bacteria entering the fabric in perspiration, as shown in previous studies.  The researchers intend to submit their data for publication in an internationally regarded specialist dermatology journal.