Pittsburgh startup BIOSAFE Inc. is putting a new spin on germ warfare.
The company’s patented antimicrobial technology gives products—everything from plastics to clothes and medical equipment—an unprecedented barrier of protection against bacteria, mold and mildew, algae and some viruses. When a microbe comes into contact with BIOSAFE, the cell wall ruptures and the offending microbe is destroyed.
BIOSAFE was founded by Pittsburgh optometrist Harry Morgan who originally hoped to use the technology for contact lenses. In 2003, he was joined by chemist Gerry Getman and together they secured $1 million from the Department of Defense to continue development of the antimicrobial properties of the technology, particularly its potential to kill dangerous terrorist-created substances that could settle on a soldier’s uniform during biological warfare.
A Pittsburgh Life Science Greenhouse incubator company, BIOSAFE is currently marketing their antimicrobial for industrial, medical and consumer applications. "BIOSAFE’s antimicrobial inhibits the growth of product degrading bacteria on consumer goods and medical products," explains Getman. "And the protection is there for the life of the product. There's a big demand for the BIOSAFE antimicrobial and a very high level of market interest."
The BIOSAFE trademark will soon begin appearing on products such as countertops, shower curtains and plastic shopping cart handles. Plans are unfolding as the company evaluates other uses, such as adding it to spun fibers for high-end sportswear and computer keyboard covers in high-traffic locations like hospitals.
BIOSAFE plans to expand and will hire four to five people in sales, finance and administration.
Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Gerry Getman, BIOSAFE Inc.
Image courtesy Biosafe Inc.