MEDIA RELEASE
Leoni reduces the risk of infection in hospitals with antimicrobial
cables
An innovative, highly-effective technology with long-lasting hygiene
benefit
Nuremberg, 7 November 2012 – Leoni, the leading provider of cables and
cable systems to the automotive sector and other industries, is using a
new acid-based technology that gives plastic surfaces a germ-killing
effect. The use of antimicrobial device housings, cables and cords in
hospitals or doctors' surgeries can contribute substantially to increasing
the standard of hygiene and minimising the risk of infection. Unwanted
gaps in the hygiene chain can thereby be closed.
The plastic surfaces near patients of monitoring devices and their cables can
cause infections in hospitals when they are contaminated with germs. This risk
can be substantially lowered with the use of antimicrobial cables whose special
properties are similar to the principle of the human acid protective layer.
Surfaces that are treated with this new technology very quickly display a
significant reduction in germs.
The effect is microbiologically verified, with the evidence provided by an
accredited
laboratory
using
a
recognised measurement
method and
independent hospital hygiene experts. The test involved the most well-known
and most frequently occurring hospital bacteria as well as germs that have
developed resistance, applying various incubation periods and concentrations.
A low pH level on plastic surfaces causes pathogens to die
The method that Leoni applies follows the Lewis acid-base theory: it involves
acid ions being released on the surface of the cables that lower the pH value
on the outer surface of the jacket. This restricts the cell functions of the germs
and their separation, so that they ultimately die. This is made possible by
permanently incorporating a special metal oxide in variable doses in the plastic
matrix of the cable jacket. Even in low concentration a significant
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MEDIA RELEASE
germ-killing effect is already evident. The mechanical properties of the cable
itself and its handling remain unchanged.
Germ-killing effect despite perspiration and protein
These innovations provide several advantages versus the hitherto common
methods. A key benefit is that this acid technology maintains the hygienic
effect. By contrast, the established silver and copper method is susceptible to
perspiration and protein, meaning that, in normal use, the antimicrobial effect
on a treated plastic object is considerably lowered or deactivated.
Another benefit of the new technology is that the pathogens are destroyed not
from the inside, but from the outside across the cell envelope; the formation of
what are known as biofilms on the cable or the device housing is thereby
stemmed, and its surface can be more easily cleaned. Furthermore, the metal
oxide that is incorporated in the plastic does not come under the controversial
nanotechnology because of its larger grain size.
Leoni has already passed initial tests in accordance with DIN EN ISO 10993 for
medical technology and sold antimicrobial cables for patient monitoring
systems.
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 Related illustration material can be downloaded from www.media.leoni.com
next to this release
About the Leoni Group
Leoni is a global supplier of wires, optical fibers, cables and cable systems as well as
related services for the automotive sector and further industries. Leoni develops and
produces technically sophisticated products from single-core automotive cables
through to complete wiring systems. Leoni’s product range also comprises wires and
strands, standardised cables, special cables and cable system assemblies for various
industrial markets. The group of companies, which is listed on the German MDAX,
employs more than 61,000 people in 32 countries and generated consolidated sales of
EUR 3.7 billion in 2011.
mailto:Holger.Lueckin
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MEDIA RELEASE
Contact person trade press / user
Contact person for economic press
Holger Lücking
Director Marketing
Business Group Industry & Healthcare
Phone +49 (0)5221-763-582
Fax
+49 (0)5221-763-403
E-mail Holger.Luecking@leoni.com
Sven Schmidt
Corporate Public & Media Relations
LEONI AG
Phone +49 (0)911-2023-467
Fax
+49 (0)911-2023-231
E-mail presse@leoni.com
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