The Institute for Hygiene and Biotechnology (IHB) in Germany has developed the first textile that can release medically effective gasses, the institute announced. The textile was developed at IHB under the auspices of a research project, "Nitric Oxide Releasing Dental Cotton Rolls with Anti-microbial Effect."
To date, IHB scientists have been developing nitric oxide coating techniques primarily for antibacterial textiles in dentistry. The current prototype consists of cotton fibers refined with silicon oxide particles using nanosol technology. Bonded into this matrix is a substance that functions as a dispenser for nitrogen monoxide (nitric oxide), releasing the gas under certain physiological conditions.
Among other things, nitric oxide has an antibacterial effect based on destruction of the cell membranes of bacteria, damage to their genetic material, and restriction of their metabolism for energy.
The IHB researchers have also developed a system for measuring nitric oxide in the mouth.
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