Copper-Embedded Textiles Show Promise in Reducing Microbial Burden and Supporting Infection Control

In this second installment of an Infection Control Today^® (ICT^®) panel discussion, experts explored how copper-embedded cotton textiles may strengthen infection control efforts by lowering microbial burden on frequently used fabrics.

When asked how quickly copper-infused materials begin working, one panelist explained that the process is almost instantaneous. “It is faster than you can think,” said Michael Schmidt, PhD, professor of microbiology and immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina. “As the microbe encounters the metal, it begins to interact with it, and once your membrane is holey, you are dead, dead, dead.”

Schmidt emphasized that copper’s impact is both rapid and multifaceted. “You are killing the cell via a multimodal mechanism,” he said. “Anytime you have a multimodal mechanism of action, you know it is going to be hard, if not impossible, to develop resistance.” He also noted that copper is active against bacteria and viruses, including norovirus, which he described as “the scourge of all health care facilities.”

Quantitative data shared by Maggie Thieman, MD, vice president of postacute services at West Virginia University Health System and medical director for Vivothreads, reinforced these claims. “Within 30 minutes, the studies show there is consistently about 2 to 3 log reduction in common pathogens,” she said. “Within 2 hours, there is greater than 4 log reduction for [methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus], [vancomycin-resistant enterococci], and [Clostridioides difficile], and at 4 hours, there is really near complete kill.”

She added that the materials remain effective between launderings and clarified that the textiles are soft and comfortable. “We are talking about very fine, soft, sustainable fabrics,” she said. “Nobody is walking around like a medieval knight.”

The ICT moderator echoed this sentiment after receiving a sample of socks. “These are super high-quality socks from any high-rated department store,” she said. “You would not know they were medical at all.”

The panelists also noted the broader implications for infection prevention programs. “Dose matters,” Schmidt reminded the audience. “Anytime you can have an effect at reducing the bulk of microbes, you are lowering the risk.”

Eddie Lefeaux, CEO and cofounder of Westport Linen Services, discussed how advances in textile processing support these efforts. “Our regulations have become so much stricter,” he said. “After 50 or 60 plus washings, we are seeing these linens are durable and can hold up in our industry.” He added that improved laundering chemistry, including peroxide and peracetic acid, helps maintain product performance.

Together, the panelists highlighted how antimicrobial copper textiles may contribute meaningfully to infection control bundles by reducing environmental bioburden and supporting safer patient care.