KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsNew company markets germ fighting socks
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Researchers from the University of South Dakota discovered the germ fighting molecule and now they're partnering with one group to bring it to the market place.
Antimicrobial Technologies Group is officially open for business in Sioux Falls South Dakota.
The company holds the 'rights' to the germ fighting technology discovered by Doctor YuYu Sun and researchers at USD.
The newly discovered molecule will be put in products to kill germs on contact. Those involved say it's a breakthrough discovery, and will help many people from athletes to diabetics.
These socks may look like ones you wear everyday, but there's a germ fighting molecule in the product that makes them different. It's a new N-Halamine molecule that will fight against viruses, bacteria, even fungi and mold.
"We are starting with what we think is a very important product and that is therapeutic and anti-microbial socks," said Antimicrobial Technologies Group CEO Simon Johnston.
Researchers say by wearing the socks, it'll minimize infection by stopping the spread of germs.
Helping people who have diabetes, to those with athletes foot these socks are the first of many products that are expected to be launched.
"We've had a lot of interest from hospital buying groups saying when the paint is ready, we will have a market," said Johnston.
You could also use the 'germ' fighting paint in your own home.
"Especially when we have concerns over bacteria or flu virus going around," said Johnston.
Other products that could be launched in the future, are those like wrestling mats for athletes, kevlar vests for the department of defense, and sheets and linens used by hospitals.
"We really have the first technology that will allow viruses to be killed fast and completely," said Johnston.
Johnston says these socks will be launched the first part of next year. Initially in January for special organizations, and more widely by March through specialty marketing on the internet.
More About Antimicrobial Technologies Group:
Antimicrobial Technologies Group (ATG), a start-up technology company that develops additives capable of killing germs associated with conditions like the H1N1 flu and athlete's foot,
"ATG is a great example of a company that is commercializing research that started at South Dakota's universities," Gov. Mike Rounds said. "It's arrangements like these that are helping South Dakota become a recognized leader in research and technology."
The ribbon-cutting event marks ATG's grand opening, although the company has been in business for about six months. The company currently has five employees and plans to hire more in the near future. The first applications of ATG's product will be applied to socks for diabetics and athletes.
The technology is the result of Dr. Yuyu Sun's pioneering research at the University of South Dakota. Sun recently received the President's Award for Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Other applications for ATG's product include military uniforms and undergarments; personal protection garments for health care workers, such as face masks, scrubs and lab coats; hospital linens and incontinence pads; surface protection in paints, caulk and resins; medical and dental tubing; industrial applications; and food service applications.
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