Description
Research shows that the healthcare industry is the biggest consumer of antimicrobial textiles. However, there is currently no bandage on the market that actively kills bacteria without the use of antibiotics.
Project Smart T will bring together specialists from France and England to raise awareness of and explore opportunities for the commercialisation of Smart Inks with SMEs, whilst offering a solution to the threat of drug-resistant superbugs.
The partnership, led by the University of Southampton with four partners from Northern France and two partners from Southern England, will work in collaboration with SMEs to create 100 Smart Inks in the e-Textile market which currently relies on off-the-shelf products. At the same time Smart T will develop and trial a drug-free anti-infective bandage prototype, and first-to-market dynamic fabric mapping products for use by the tourism and outdoor leisure market.
As part of the project, Smart T will also seek to engage with SMEs in the Programme zone via events, one to one consultations and collaborations to expand their portfolio of innovative products and services.
Technology developed as part of the project can be replicated and adapted in sectors such as fashion, sport, safety ware, advertising and mapmaking.