Threads

Life

Antimicrobial Textiles

An Innovative Approach to Fighting

Healthcare-associated Infections (HAIs)
PROVIDING LONG-LASTING PROTECTION
TO HEALTHCARE TEXTILES

Antimicrobial

Antifungal

Odor Control

Fluid Barrier
Technology

Tel: +1(646) 762-4533

Fax: +1(212) 869-1735 | info@life-threads.com |

45 West 45th Street Suite 702 New York, NY 10036

www.life-threads.com

ABOUT LIFETHREADS
LifeThreads LLC is a life sciences company focused on infection control and management in
clinical healthcare settings. It is dedicated to having an impact on healthcare-associated infections
(HAIs). The company manufactures and distributes a first of its kind product line of professional
medical apparel, patient garments and related items treated with an EPA-registered antimicrobial
active ingredient and binding agents that protects the fabric from harmful pathogens found within
institutional medical environments. The company has rolled-out its product line to doctors, nurses,
dentists, veterinarians, lab technicians, chiropractors, pharmacists, medical and dental assistants,
therapists, EMT works and scientists through a diverse and comprehensive distribution strategy.
LifeThreads products include lab coats, scrubs, scrub warm-up jackets, patient gowns and linens.

RE-THINK YOUR INFECTION CONTROL

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in hospitals impose significant economic consequences
on the nations healthcare system. One in twenty-five hospital patients have at least one
healthcare-associated infection approximately 722,000 people in the U.S. each year*. About
75,000 hospital patients with HAIs die during their hospitalization. More
than half of all HAIs occurred outside of the intensive care unit.
Due to efforts by the CDC and other world health organizations, the
dangers of HAIs are getting exposed. The stakes have never been higher
for health systems to prevent HAIs, not only for patient safety, but to avoid
Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions that penalize hospitals with high
infection rates. Most recently, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
(CMS) named 721 hospitals with the highest HAI rates, all of which will have
Medicare payments cut by 1 percent this year**.

In order to significantly
reduce HAIs, healthcare
organizations have
to adopt a broad,
vigilant infectioncontrol strategy that
includes implementing
antimicrobial-treated
medical soft surfaces.

One out of every seven hospitals in the nation will have their Medicare
payments lowered over the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1 and continues
through September 2015. The health law mandates the reductions for the
quarter of hospitals that Medicare assessed as having the highest rates
of hospital-acquired conditions. These conditions include infections from catheters, blood
clots, bed sores and other complications that are considered avoidable. The penalties, which
are estimated to total $373 million, are falling particularly hard on academic medical centers:
Roughly half of them will be punished, according to a Kaiser Health News analysis.

In order to significantly reduce HAIs, healthcare organizations have to adopt a broad, vigilant
infection-control strategy that includes implementing antimicrobial-treated medical soft
surfaces. 90% of a patient contact environment is made up of soft surfaces and they have
virtually been ignored in todays infection-prevention practices.
*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Healthcare-Associated Infections Data and Statistics: http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/surveillance/
**Kaiser Health News: http://kaiserhealthnews.org/news/medicare-cuts-payments-to-721-hospitals-with-highest-rates-of-infections-injuries/
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CAN SOFT SURFACES LIKE MEDICAL

GARMENTS & LINENS BE GERM CARRIERS?
The rate of nosocomial infections, especially those caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria are
increasing around the globe. We all know that one way germs can spread is through unwashed
hands. In a healthcare setting filled with sick patients, these dangers are obviously increased. So,
besides unwashed hands, where else can bacteria and viruses be commonly lurking? Equipment,
furniture they can be on almost any surface within reach of human hands in a hospital, clinic, or
doctors office. But one important area deserves more attention and study. What about the clothes
worn by healthcare workers themselves?
Textiles are an excellent substrate for bacterial growth under appropriate moisture and
temperature conditions. Patients shed bacteria and contaminate their pajamas and sheets. Several
studies have found that the healthcare worker in contact with contaminated textiles were the source
of transmission of the microorganisms to susceptible patients. Furthermore, it has been reported that
bed making in hospitals release large quantities of microorganisms into the air, which contaminate
the immediate and non-immediate surroundings. Contaminated soft surfaces or textiles in hospitals
can thus be an important source of microbes contributing to endogenous, indirect-contact and
aerosol transmission of nosocomial related pathogens.
The use of antimicrobial textile, especially those that are in close contact with the patient like bed
linens, patient gowns and scrubs can significantly reduce bio burden in healthcare settings and
consequently reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

A NEW APPROACH
CAUSE: When bacteria comes into contact with a health care workers uniform it will
accumulate and grow in the absence of antimicrobial technology.
EFFECT: The microbes need to continually convert nutrients into energy to grow and
proliferate. The LifeThreads zinc pyrithione antimicrobial ingredient penetrates
the cell wall and attacks the cellular functions of the microbes so they cant
take food and reproduce. The antimicrobial action inhibits the conversion of
nutrients into energy and kills the microbe. Our technology has various modes
of action against bacteria. Studies have shown that zinc pyrithione:

Starves cells for iron, calcium, and other vital nutrients due to its chelating

properties (Dinning, AL-Adham, Austin, Charlton & Collier, 1998; Yamanaka,

Hara & Kudo, 2005).
Depolarizes the cellular membrane (Ermolayeva & Sanders, 1995).
Causes damage to iron-sulfur proteins (Reeder et al., 2011).
Blocks the proton pump that powers membrane transport by hydrogen
bonding to free cysteine residues on ATPase (Chandler & Segel, 1978).
Disrupts the lipid bilayer of the cell membrane through its interaction with
the phospholipid head groups (Dinning, AL-Adham, Austin, Charlton & Collier,
1998).
2

ALL-IN-ONE PERFORMANCE
ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGY
Antimicrobial pesticides are substances or mixtures of substances used to destroy or limit the
growth of microorganisms, whether bacteria, viruses, or fungi -- many of which are harmful on
inanimate objects and surfaces. LifeThreads incorporates zinc pyrithione into its textiles during
the manufacturing process. The antimicrobial additive is homogenously distributed throughout
the polymer matrix and is impregnated into the fibers of the textile with an efficacy that lasts for
the life of the product. Upon contact, the LifeThreads active ingredient penetrates the cell wall of
the bacteria. It attacks the bacterias ability to reproduce and absorb nutrients, which eventually
leads to the elimination of the bacteria. Our products have been tested and comply with American
Association of Textile Chemist and Colorists guidelines and have been proven effective by
independent third-party research facilities. The active ingredient in LifeThreads product is
registered for use as an antimicrobial with EPA and under EUs Biocidal Products Directive (BPD).

About Zinc Pyrithione

Zinc Pyrithione is the antimicrobial agent in all of
LifeThreads products. This biocide was developed
in the 1930s and possesses a wide range of
antibacterial activity (Kastelein, 2015).

Figure 1

Figure 2

Since its development, zinc pyrithione has been

commonly used as the main ingredient for antidandruff shampoo as well as over-the-counter
creams, lotions, and soaps (Kastelein, 2015).
Zinc Pyrithione is a coordination complex of zinc,
where the pyrithione ligands are chelated to the
zinc ion (Figure 1). In solution, zinc pyrithione
disassociates into zinc ion and pyrithione
molecules. In crystalline form, zinc pyrithione
acts as a centrosymmetric dimer where zinc is
bonded to two sulfur molecules and three oxygen
molecules (Barnett, Kretschmar & Hartman, 1977,
Figure 2). This structure allows pyrithione to
facilitate membrane transport of zinc and other
metals (Reeder et al., 2011).

Zinc Pyrithione

FLUID BARRIER TECHNOLOGY

To protect clothing from contamination and staining, our fabric is also engineered to repel fluids.
Our fabric protector forms an invisible shield against stains and bodily fluids. Liquids easily
bead up and roll off the garment avoiding the need for instant cleaning or laundering and more
importantly, avoiding contact with dangerous bodily fluids. Liquid spills can easily be wiped away
when blotted with a clean cloth, making your fabric look clean and fresh each time. In addition, our
fabric protector works without impacting the fabrics weight, look, feel, color or breathability. All
of LifeThreads products are equipped with a fluorocarbon based fluid barrier technology without
impacting the look, touch, feel, color or breathability of the fabric.

Items treated with our fabric protector:

Helps prevent the need to wash or spot clean because liquids bead up and roll off.
Eliminates ring around the collar, reducing detergent use and repetitive washing.
Removes stains at lower wash temperatures versus untreated fabrics.
Allows fabrics to dry 25 percent faster than untreated fabrics using either tumble dry or air dry.

Fluid Barrier Technology

Our fluid barrier technology is a
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) based
compound. This compound made of only
carbon and fluorine is hydrophobic due to
the high electronegativity of the fluorine
molecules. PTFE if often used as a non-stick
coating for many different products and is
very non-reactive due to the strength of the
carbon fluorine bonds.

ODOR CONTROL TECHNOLOGY

Body odor is the result of bacteria breaking down protein into
certain acids. When microbes grow to high numbers in
clothing and textiles, they can cause unwanted odor
and trigger allergic reactions. LifeThreads technology
has been engineered to eliminate unwanted odor. The
technology physically absorb odor-source molecules,
and its incorporation into polymer structures can result
in entrapping and rendering inoffensive odor and taste
compounds that may have been generated from polymer
oxidation, migration of external contaminants, or dissolution
of additives. It works 24/7 to minimize unpleasant odors.

ANTIFUNGAL TECHNOLOGY
Fungus as an organism feeds on organic matter. The most common kinds of fungus that use
humans as hosts are those that cause athletes foot, ringworm and dandruff. Fungal diseases
are called mycoses. Mycoses can affect human skin, nails, body hair, internal organs such as
lungs, and body systems such as the nervous system. Aspergillus fumigatus, for instance,
can cause aspergillosis, a fungal infection in the respiratory system. Fungi obtain nutrients,
eliminate waste, and reproduce is a much more complex way than bacteria. The best
protection against fungus is to prevent it from breeding.

LIFETHREADS QUICK FACTS

Inhibits
Growth of
Bacteria

Antifungal

Odor
Control

Fluid-barrier
Technology

Can Withstand
Over 125
Launderings

No Allergic
Reaction

Use of Less
Detergent

Safe,
EPA-registered
Ingredient
Used in OTC
Products

LIFETHREADS TEST RESULTS

LifeThreads products have been tested by nationally recognized scientific research laboratories.
Dr. Matthew Hardwick at ResInnova Labs performed the Splatter Fabric Challenge and AATCC TM
100, AATCC TM 147 were performed at independent third-party research facilities. All of the tests
performed strongly indicate that LifeThreads antimicrobial textiles are highly effective against
important pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (S aureus), including Methicillin-resistant S
aureus (MRSA), and Escherichia coli (E coli). In every test performed, LifeThreads antimicrobial
textiles reduce bacterial concentrations by > 99.9%.

SPECIFIC TESTS
AATCC Test Method 100
is a quantitative procedure for the
comparison and evaluation of the degree of
antibacterial activity after a 24 h exposure
to the test bacteria on the test fabric.
Relative to untreated control textiles
(UTCs; textiles without antimicrobial or
fluid barrier chemistries), LifeThreads
antimicrobial textiles reduced S aureus by
99.96% and E coli by 99.98%.

AATCC Test Method 147

is a qualitative estimate of antimicrobial
activity. This test further allows for detection
of a zone of inhibition surrounding
the specimen that determines if the
antimicrobial chemistry leaches away from
the textile.
LifeThreads antimicrobial textiles
completely abrogate growth of both
S aureus and E coli. Further, no zone of
inhibition was seen with LifeThreads
antimicrobial textiles indicating that its
antimicrobial chemistry does not leach out
of the textile.

Splatter Fabric Challenge

is a test designed to recapitulate transmission
of pathogens via splatter and test the efficacy
of antimicrobial textiles in a more real world
simulation. A splatter is a bulk transfer of fluids
commonly seen in the healthcare environment
(i.e. blood, urine, vomit).
LifeThreads antimicrobial textiles
performed exceedingly well in the Splatter
Fabric Challenge reducing MRSA levels with
a range between 4.09 and 4.48 log colonyforming units (CFUs). A 4 log reduction is
the equivalent of a 99.99% reduction. For
perspective, UTCs reduced MRSA with a range
between 1.90 and 2.37 log CFUs. See Table 1
and Figure 1 on next page for more details.

COMPILED TEST RESULTS

Table 1: Complied Results of Splatter Fabric Challenge

Figure 1: Splatter Fabric Challenge Results

OTHER PATHOGENS TEST RESULTS

The results below show the effectiveness of other pathogens on LifeThreads antimicrobial textiles.
In each case the fabric was tested against conventional control fabric that does not have
antimicrobial characteristics.
Clinical results may vary depending on conditions in the clinical environment.

Findings

% Reduction at 24 hours vs. control fabric

Enterococcus faecailis

>99

Staphylococcus aureus

>99

Klebsiella pneumoniae

>99

Acinetobacter baumannii

>99

Enterobacter cloacae

>99

Escherichia coli

>99

Candida albicans

>99

Proteus vulgaris

>99

MRSA >99

CLINICAL TESTING
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18834751

Bacterial contamination of health care workers white coats

Treakle AM1. Thom KA, Furuno JP, Satauss SM, Harris AD, Perencevich EN.

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Patient-to-patient transmission of nosocomial pathogens has been linked to transient colonization of
health care workers, and studies have suggested that contamination of health care workers clothing, including white coats,
may be a vector for this transmission.
METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study involving attendees of medical and surgical grand rounds at a large
teaching hospital to investigate the prevalence of contamination of white coats with important nosocomial pathogens, such
as methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S aura (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci
(VRE). Each participant completed a brief survey and cultured his or her white coat using a moistened culture swab on
lapels, pockets, and cuffs.
RESULTS: Among the 149 grand rounds attendees white coats, 34 (23%) were contaminated with S aureus, of which 6 (18%)
were MRSA. None of the coats was contaminated with VRE. S aureus contamination was more prevalent in residents, those
working in inpatient settings, and those who saw an inpatient that day.
CONCLUSION: This study suggests that a large proportion of health care workers white coats may be contaminated with S
aureus, including MRSA. White coats may be in important vector for patient-to-patient transmission of S aureus.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18549314

Detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycinresistant enterococci on the gowns and gloves of healthcare workers
Snyder GM1, Thom KA, Furuon JP, Perencevich EN, Roghmann MC, Strauss SM, Netzer G, Harris AD.

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the rate of and the risk backers for the detection of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and
vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) on the protective gowns and gloves of healthcare workers (HCWs).
METHODS: We observed the interactions between HCWs and patients during routine clinical activities in a 29-bed medical
intensive care unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center, an urban tertiary care academic hospital. Samples for
culture were obtained from HCWs hands prior to their entering a patients room, from HCWs disposable gowns and gloves
after they completed patient care activities, and from HCWs hands immediately after they removed their protective gowns
and gloves.
RESULTS: Of the 137 HCWs caring for patients colonized or infected with MRSA and/or VRE, 24 (17.5%; 95% confidence
interval, 11.6%-24.4%) acquired the organism on their gloves, gown, or both. HCW contact with the endotracheal
tube or tracheostomy site of a patient (P < .05). HCW contact with the head and/or neck of a patient (P < .05),
and HCW presence in the room of a patient with a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and /or jejunostomy
tube (P < .05) were associated with an increased risk of acquiring these organisms.
CONCLUSIONS: The gloves and gowns of HCWs frequently become contaminated with MRSA and VRE during the
routine care of patients, and particularly during care of the patients respiratory tract and any associated indwelling devices.
As part of a larger infections control strategy, including high-compliance hand disinfection, they likely provide a useful
barrier to transmitting antibiotic-resistant organisms among patients in an inpatient setting.

10

HOW WE COMPARE TO OTHER

ANTIMICROBIAL TECHNOLOGIES

MODE OF ACTION

LEACHING

COST

ADAPTIVE ORGANISMS

COLOR SHIFT

DETERGENT

LAUNDRY

Does not create

adaptive organisms

Does not change

product color

Does not require

a specific detergent

200 Industrial

Does not create

product color

Does not change

detergent only

Non-bleach

50 Industrial

Leaches out of
Silver-Based fabric and
Leaches out
Expensive
Can create
metabolized by
of fabric
adaptive organisms

bacteria

Product color shifts

to brown, grey, and
yellow can occur

Does not require

a specific detergent

50 Industrial

Leaches out of
Tricosan fabric and
metabolized by

Does not change

product color

Does not require

a specific detergent

N/A

Physically ruptures
the cell membrane
Zinc Pyrithione and prevents the
Non-Leaching
Economical

import of vital
nutrients
Physically
SiQUAT ruptures the
Non-Leaching

cell membrane

Moderate
Adaptive organisms

Leaches out
Moderate
of fabric

Can create
adaptive organisms

bacteria
Source: http://www.gelest.com/goods/PDF/brochures/Biosafe.pdf

11

Classic
Collection

Our contemporary style medical apparel not only looks great, but also offers built-in antimicrobial
and fluid resistant properties. The soft, ultra-lightweight uniform takes into account a variety of
factors, including functionality, durability, comfort and convenience.

Available in

WHITE
Womens Classic Top

Unisex Lab Coat

Womens Classic Pant

Style No. 1110

Unisex Classic Top

Unisex Classic Pant

March 2016

CARIBBEAN
BLUE

Unisex Scrub Warm-Up Jacket

Style No. 3130

Style No. 3120

Style No. 3110

CEIL
BLUE

Style No. 3140

Style No. 1120

NAVY
BLUE

BLACK

Available in

CEIL
BLUE

CARIBBEAN
BLUE
12

Collection

LifeThreads has recently launched its Contego collection of premium scrubs. The word Contego
means to cover, shield, and protect in Latin. Our antimicrobial scrubs inhibit the growth of bacteria
and provide protection from contaminated fluids prevalent in a healthcare environment. Contego
by LifeThreads has been designed keeping in mind stylish designs and stretch fabric that offers
exceptional elasticity and comfort.

Womens Stretch Top

Womens Stretch Cargo Pant

Style No. 1210

Mens Stretch Cargo Pant

Style No. 1220

Style No. 2220

Available in

BLACK PEWTER

WHITE

WINE

ROYAL
BLUE

NAVY
BLUE

March 2016

March 2016

March 2016

CEIL
BLUE

Unisex Stretch Top

HUNTER EGGPLANT
GREEN

Unisex Stretch Pant

Style No. 3210

Style No. 3220

Visit www.life-threads.com to learn more about our products or write to us at info@life-threads.com

13

REFERENCES
Barnett, B., Kretschmar, H., & Hartman, F. (1977). Structural characterization of bis(N-oxopyridine-2thionato)zinc(II). Inorganic Chemistry, 16(8), 1834-1838. doi:10.1021/ic50174a002
Chandler, C., & Segel, I. (1978). Mechanism of the Antimicrobial Action of Pyrithione: Effects on
Membrane Transport, ATP Levels, and Protein Synthesis. Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy,
14(1), 60-68. doi:10.1128/aac.14.1.60
Dinning, A., AL-Adham, I., Austin, P., Charlton, M., & Collier, P. (1998). Pyrithione biocide interactions
with bacterial phospholipid head groups. Journal Of Applied Microbiology, 85(1), 132-140.
doi:10.1046/j.1365-2672.1998.00477.x
Ermolayeva, E., & Sanders, D. (1995). Mechanism of pyrithione-induced membrane depolarization in
Neurospora crassa. Appl Environ Microbiol, 61, 338590.
Google Patent. (2015). Retrieved 16 June 2015, from
http://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/US20120220516A1/US20120220516A1-20120830-C00002.png
Kastelein, K. (2015). Ingredients - Pyrithione Zinc. Dermaharmony.com. Retrieved 17 June 2015, from
http://www.dermaharmony.com/ingredients/pyrithionezinc.aspx
Reeder, N., Xu, J., Youngquist, R., Schwartz, J., Rust, R., & Saunders, C. (2011). The antifungal
mechanism of action of zinc pyrithione. British Journal Of Dermatology, 165, 9-12. doi:10.1111/j.13652133.2011.10571.x
Wikipedia. (2015). Polytetrafluoroethylene. Retrieved 23 July 2015, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytetrafluoroethylene
Wikipedia. (2015). Zinc pyrithione. Retrieved 22 June 2015, from
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_pyrithione#/media/File:Zink-Pyrithion.svg
Yamanaka, M., Hara, K., & Kudo, J. (2005). Bactericidal Actions of a Silver Ion Solution on Escherichia
coli, Studied by Energy-Filtering Transmission Electron Microscopy and Proteomic Analysis. Applied
And Environmental Microbiology, 71(11), 7589-7593. doi:10.1128/aem.71.11.7589-7593.2005

14

Life

Threads

Antimicrobial Textiles

For more information:

+1(646) 762-4533
info@life-threads.com | www.life-threads.com