Killer Clothing Using Nanotechnology To Destroy Bacteria and Fungi

From Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyMay 13 2004

Topics Covered

Background

The United States Army has invested $50 million in the Institute of Soldiering Nanotechnology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and has publicly stated one of its primary objectives is to keep soldiers safe from chemical and biological agents.

One of the more promising applications under development is the creation of “killer clothing”.

Killer Clothing

“Killer clothing,” which, as the name implies, artificially enhances the properties of clothing to kill harmful agents on contact. The technology, which some people have likened to “nanodaggers,” is actually a chain of hydrogen atoms anchored by a nitrogen molecule that is then attached to the proteins in the fabric of the clothing.

The positive charge of the nitrogen atom acts to attract the negatively charged bacterial and fungal spores and causes them to impale themselves on the “dagger” of hydrogen atoms.

This renders them harmless.

Sensors and Sprays

In addition to the clothing, the institute is also working on nanotechnology-based sensors to detect diseases as well as a series of creams and sprays to prevent and treat a variety of deadly agents.

The Institute of Soldiering Nanotechnologies has been charged by Congress with commercializing these technologies as quickly possible. Companies like Dupont and Raytheon are already partnering with the institute in the hope of bringing developments to the marketplace.

Source: Advantage Magazine February 2004

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