Innovation

In its continued quest to kill microbes that settle on surfaces, Biosafe of Pittsburgh has launched an antimicrobial surface treatment for computer keyboards that will be used in an ambitious worldwide education program spearheaded by Intel Corp.

The launch means growth for the Pittsburgh Life Sciences Greenhouse startup. The company plans to hire in sales and marketing this year as it moves forward to commercialize antimicrobial treatments for industrial, medical and consumer applications.

Last year the company was in the news for a microbe-killing mask to stem the spread of H1N1, which continues to do well during flu season, says Donald Wagner, vice president of business development.

The latest product is an antimicrobial, which is based on patented silane technology added to the surface of the plastic keys. The computers are Intel-powered Classmate PCs for students in kindergarten through junior high school. The computers will be sold overseas through programs in Central and South America, Portugal and Spain.

"What is exciting is that we have a contract and the precedent is set to develop products for other commercial personal electronic devices," says Wagner. "We see this as an opportunity for electronic devices that are handled constantly to have the Biosafe features."

Biosafe was founded by a Pittsburgh optometrist who developed the technology initially for contact lenses. In addition to H1N1 masks and keyboards, Biosafe is working with shrimp farmers on a product to keep algae and barnacles from growing on tubing used in fish farming. The company currently employs four full-time and several contract workers.

Writer: Deb Smit
Source: Donald Wagner, Biosafe

Image courtesy of Biosafe

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