Israeli researchers have discovered what the ancients knew thousands of years ago; that copper contains anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties. Copper, once mined in the southern Israeli area known as Timna, has been used throughout history for a variety of purposes, such as piping to keep water free of parasites, in shipbuilding to prevent algae from clinging to ships and even by French wineries to inhibit the growth of fungus on the precious grapevines. Ancient Egypt appreciated its value using it both for its beauty and its anti-bacterial value. Now the Cupron company, founded ten years ago by Jeffrey Gabbay, has taken that knowledge and brought it forward for modern use. The sunset-colored metal is being integrated into textiles as a way to minimize odor and viruses, according to a report on the Israel21c website . Cupron researchers developed technologies that have incorporated copper oxide in an array of novel applications, which will be recognized this year with the Frost & Sullivan Best Practices award for technological innovations. Cupron’s researchers, based in a facility located in the Jerusalem-area city of Beit Shemesh, have produced “medical socks” which can be used to prevent and heal the infections that are so dangerous to those with diabetes. The company has also developed surgical masks that contain active ingredients that help prevent medical staff from becoming infected with such life-threatening illnesses as SARS, avian flu and other viruses. “If and when the virus enters our mask,” says Gabbay, “our mask will deactivate the virus.” When used in gloves, Cupron’s technology is used in food handling, food processing and health care. “We know we’re the innovators of the year,” Gabby notes. But, he added, “It is gratifying to know that we have contributed to solving the conundrum of anti-microbial activity in textiles." Cupron has teamed up with a number of U.S. companies, such as Gloves2Go and Renfro Corporation, producers of gloves and socks. The company’s treated fabrics will also soon be tested in the Herzog Hospital in Jerusalem, where Gabby expects the product to prove itself by drastically reducing the number of germs, viruses, and dust mites that often further compromise the health of patients whose immune systems are already fragile. Testing on viral applications is performed at the company’s laboratories in Rehovot. The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) have also carried out testing on Cupron’s data. Now the challenge will be getting the word out to the general public. “The U.S. marines already use [the copper oxide socks] to help them avoid or cure athlete’s foot,” says Gabbay. “But people don’t believe what they’re seeing.” Companies do, however, and Cupron is now busy in talks with three cosmetic firms as well, to develop products that will “reduce wrinkles and get rid of crow’s feet.” Adds Gabbay, “You could say we jumped on a moving train.”
