German fibre-reinforced composites manufacturer Lamilux (Rehau; www.lamilux.com) has developed an antibacterial composite material for use in hospitals and the food industry. Described by Lamilux as “spectacular”, Lamilux AntiBac has a surface coated with nanosilver which can kill germs within a few hours. The material can be used as wall and ceiling panels. It is currently being trialled at the Asklepios Clinic in Bad Abbach / Germany where walls in some parts of the operating theatre have been covered with the anti-infective panels.

Developed with research company Rent-a-Scientist (Regensburg / Germany; www.rent-a-scientist.com), the material was initially created as a wall coating for operating theatres. Medical experts estimate that 15,000 patients die every year from hospital germs such as methycillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

As well as clinical use, numerous applications for Lamilux AntiBac exist in the food industry where high hygiene and sterile environments are required, such as refrigerated warehouses and vehicles, cold stores, processing areas and slaughter houses.