extract from July issue of Dublin Institute of Technology "RESEARCH NEWS" .....

Cupright International is workwing with DIT academic Robert Morris to develop innovative anti-microbial products

In 2007 Southampton University reported that ions on the surface of
copper killed bacteria, viruses and fungal spores. As a result DIT and
Cupright both started working independently on the development of
copper—based products to prevent the spread of infection. When Robert
Morris, assistant lecturer in the Department of Metal Fabrication
and Welding, DIT Bolton St, approached Hothouse to discuss the
commercialisation potential of his research he found out that Cupright
was working in a similar capacity.

He explained how this discovery led to a collaborative research project.
“Selly Oak hospital in the UK which treated injured soldiers from the
war in Afghanistan found that soldiers were being infected with MRSA,
complicating their injuries. Professor Tom Elliot, Consultant Microbiologist
and Deputy Medical Director of the hospital conducted a clinical research
trial which evaluated the level of infection in two comparative wards –
one with copper contact points and the other with stainless steel. The
trial showed a marked reduction in infections in the ward which had
certain contact points fitted with copper such as door handles, over—bed
tables, taps and toilet seats. The trial showed that after a busy day on
the ward there was a marked reduction in the infections found on the
copper contact points compared with the control ward. During the
annual winter vomiting bug outbreak the copperised ward was one
of only two in the entire hospital to not get an infection.

I thought it would be an excellent idea to use copper on
Door handles to prevent the transfer of disease and I
didn't think there was anyone selling copper products at
the time. I then bought some handles,light switches, and a
toilet flush handle and sent them tot he UK to have them
copper plated. Andy Gray, Senior Licensing Executive, DIT
Hothouse, discovered that Cupright was already producing
similar items but using solid copper. The company hadn't
considered copper plating because itis a soft metal and
they didnt expect it to last long enough.cupright has since
been marketing the idea that they may be able to provide a
range for the domestic market which would have a limited
lifespan. What we're trying to establish with our research
is what the life span will be.

Entitled CUPID (Copper Preventing the spread of Infectious Diseases),
the project was funded under the EI Innovation Voucher scheme. The
€5,000 is being used for breakthrough research on the abrasive effect
of skin on copper plated objects. Most of the funding was used to build
a wear testing machine designed by Robert Morris. “The wear testing
technology that currently exists wasn’t really suitable for this application
because we wanted to replicate the skin and see how long it would take
for the skin to wear the metal.” says Robert.

With the funding I designed and had this machine manufactured by

Bertcraft Ltd in Clondalkin , there was also some expenditure on

synthetic skin material  and some instruments.

What i attempted to do was to replicate as closely as
Possible the wear effect of skin on copper plated surfaces
To establish how long the copper plating would stand up
And how long it would take for the actual plating to wear
Off. Enterprise ireland’s values for usage or actions on
Industrial equipment for one year is 200,000 cycles. So for an
Industrial application, a door should be capable of having
An action of 200,000 cycles per year. Through a series of
Tests, i established the time span in which the copper plating
Would be worn off over a number of years and measures
That could be taken to slow down the wearing away of the
Copper plating. This cycle was then repeated 200,000 times.

“A number of the people involved in research, mechanical engineering
and education of product design are now interested in using this
machine for student’s final year projects. This is the first research of
its kind and it offers possible scope for further research. It is also a
noble pursuit,” says Robert.

in future, the aim would be to explore the use of copper
Alloys to reduce costs. We could measure the effect on
Microbial properties of adding different metals to the
Copper and test the wearability of the new material.

For more information email: Robert.morris@dit.ie
www.cuprightinternational.com

The Cu.P.I.D. Project.

THE DIT SCHOOL OF MANUFACTURING DESIGN ENGINEERING RESEARCH TEAM ARE PROUD TO BE IN CALOBORATION WITH

CUPRIGHT INTERNATIONAL LTD.

Recent research has confirmed that COPPER KILLS GERMS

How? The Cupric ions on the surface of copper illuminate the germs ability to breath.

Mr Graham Baker Managing Director of Cupright International in collaboration with Mr Robert Morris, Lecturer in the School of Manufacturing and Design Engineering in the DIT were successful in securing funding for investigation in to the wear-ability of copper plated hygiene products. This research funding is in the form of an Enterprise Ireland Innovation Voucher. “CUPID” has been selected as the project title

( Cu Copper, Preventing the spread of Infectious Diseases ).

The range of products supplied by Cupright International at the moment are manufactured in solid copper which a very expensive material. Cupright International were considering launching a range of copper plated products which would reduce manufacturing costs considerably. However they were concerned that, with copper being one of the softer metals that the copper plating would wear off the surface the products too quickly. The issue of the need for the wear-ability testing arose during a conversation between Robert Morris and Graham Baker who is one of his industry contacts.

The funding will be used to pay for the manufacture of a unique wear testing rig and the purchase of the required items such as synthetic skin materials and copper plated samples. The testing process to include the periodic application of a cleaning solution which is used of the copper products to remove the copper oxide. Cupright market a range of products that although not harmful to people have a devastating effect on bacteria, virus and fungal spores. Hospitals across the world are now beginning to appreciate the effect these products can have on infections and are installing fittings throughout to complement their cleaning regimes and enhance their fight reducing the risk of acquiring an infection after surgery. Cupright are now offering some of our range of antimicrobial hardware and accessories including touch surface accessories that will eradicate undesirable infections reducing the chance of catching influenza for example. Contact details Robert Morris Robert.morris@dit.ie Ph 014024040 Graham Baker info@Cuprightinternational.com ph 0876423732

The exhibition in Manchester was a great success with a huge number of delegates exploring our stand. If you missed us don't despair send us an Email and we will call to see you with a selection of samples and scientific documents to back up all of our remarkable claims.

Cupright welcome visitors to their stand at the IHEEM Conference in Manchester Central  on 5-6th October 2010.

A great opportunity to view our full range of products and discuss any aspects of the science behind our business.

Cupright international  continue to expand the international availability of their product range with the appointment of Cuprum Primum in Norway.

For more information please visit  www.cuprumprimum.com
 

Cupright are delighted to announce the appointment of Bsmart as agents for Cupright international in Ireland. Bsmart are internationally recognised and are already well established in Canada and Australia.

To learn more about Bsmart please visit   www.bsmart.ie   

to contact Bsmart e-mail --bobby@bsmart.ie 

As demand for Cupright International Products grow - we invite representations from established wholesalers in various markets throughout the world to help us meet the strong growth in demand for our products internationally.

 All inquiries to sales@cuprightinternational.com  

At the moment Cupright agents negotiated deals in Ireland, Great Britain, Norway, Denmark,France and north Africa.

Cupright are now accepting proposals for tenders for agencies to represent them throughout the remainder of the globe. Applicants may contact Cupright on the e-mail address contained throughout this website.

PRESS RELEASE
Athens, March 4, 2010
IT’S COPPER TIME
Its antibacterial effect to viruses, bacteria and funguses
The scientific meeting of Copper Day, which was organized by the Hellenic Copper Development Institute (H.C.D.I.) under the title “IT’S COPPER TIME”, in NJV Athens Plaza Hotel, on Thursday the 25th of February 2010, was conducted with great success, by updating the scientific and medical community on the new developments of copper
antimicrobial properties.
The Copper Day Workshops opened by Mr. Evangelos Moustakas, the President of H.C.D.I., who presented the profile and the function of the Institute, giving an illustration for the latest developments on the antibacterial effect of cooper and its alloys. Concluding, he pointed out the already granted copper applications, not only in drinking water tubes but also in new applications, having brought copper to the foreground due to its antibacterial properties, such as of copper air ducks, which have already started being manufactured and placed in an office building of Athens.
Following, the speakers developed topics on how hazardous the infections spread could be in the nosokomial environment and the vital role copper can play in encountering it.
Dr Stefanos Geroulanos, Professor of Surgery, Univ. of Zurich and Director of Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Onasis Cardiac Surgery Center, developed a topic with the title “Long-Lasting Bacteria, 33 Years of Experience”. Using his long-time experience in hospitals of Greece and abroad, he extensively referred to the preventive measures for avoiding bacteria development. Underlining that
prevention is the best means for encountering infections, he proved with his analytical presentation that the post-surgery infections are being generated by the flora of the same patient (approx. 60%), displaying simultaneously the infections’ decalogue as well as, the way for encountering them. After he presented in details specific bacteria been mutated to long-lasting due to the frequent use of antibiotics, he particularly referred to MRSA, presenting that figure in Greece, where in surgical units we have from 11 to 90% contamination and in intensive care units 13 to 83% contamination. Last but not least, Dr Geroulanos mentioned the cost of the surgical infections in a health system, and how its limitation would contribute to a significant financial profit.
Mr Evangelos Papadomihelakis, Pathologist-Lecturer, Intensive Unit Tutor, Lecturer Β’, of General University Hospital "Attikon”, developed a topic with the title “Dissemination of Pathogenic Microorganisms in the Hospital” presenting the long-lasting pathogenic microorganisms dissemination, Staphylococcus (MRSA), Enterovirus (VRE) e.t.c. in the hospitals. Through his graphs, he showed how the microbes traffic, survive, being multiplied and spread to the patients as well as, to the hospital personnel. The cleanness and sterilization issues in the hospitals’ area, were recorded with a descriptive way by Mr Papadomihelakis, concluding to the ascertainment that the cleanness in the hospitals is insufficient, emphasizing that a patient could be infected even if his chamber has been sterilized. He underlined that the phenomenon of bacteria dissemination is complicated and is based on the three poles, patient-hands-environment, emphasizing that health reservation could be achieved mainly from the clean hands and a clean environment of touch surfaces. Concluding, he expressed the need of more researches and new approaches, similar to one which came out from copper antimicrobial properties.
Dr Helen Giamarellou, Professor of Internal Medicine and infectious Diseases, Athens University Medical School, Infectionist, developed a topic with the title “Copper in Hospitals’ Infections” analyzing the antimicrobial effect of copper in virus, bacteria and fungus. Starting with a historical flashback of using copper in ancient times for dealing with infections, she continued by
presenting copper current applications for Public Health, such as the contraceptive spirals, the amalgams of copper for decay decrease in dentristry, the decrease from food infections (waters), the wounds’ coat (diabetic foot, athlete foot) e.t.c.
Following, Dr Giamarellou referred to her personal interest for copper effectiveness in encountering infections, which started from the 1st International Congress of H.C.D.I., during when she wasn’t fully persuaded. After her personal experience during her visit to Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in New York City and following her research regarding the subjects presented to her, today Dr. Giamarellou is in a position to stand for the positive effect of copper and its alloys against any virus, showing the spectacular results that copper brings by confronting them, like in case of the H1N1 Influenza (108/ml-1), which in 24 hours is being totally eliminated on a copper surface.
Concluding, Dr. Giamarellou underlined the need for further research, so copper’s positive role in confronting infections would be documented.
Following an open discussion between the participants and the speakers, the Copper Day was closed by Mr. Nick Vergopoulos, the director of H.C.D.I., who after thanking the speakers for their significant and thorough presentations, the chairman professor Apostolos Armaganidis for the event coordination, as well as, the participants for their presence and attention, he pointed out that, copper and its alloys should be considered as supplements and not as substitutions for standard infection control practices.
Mr. Vergopoulos highlighted that copper is a ductile material, which apart its antimicrobial property can be the best tool for a constructor, researcher, architect, generating products and patterns which combine hygiene with designing innovation.
Moreover, he added that the developments guide us to enhance the researches regarding copper antimicrobial properties in Greece too, something we are going to work on, in the near future.
Mr. Vergopoulos concluded by pointing out the beginning of a new market, presenting copper and copper alloys product samples from Greek manufacturing companies, such as “Convex”, “Smart In” and “ Syrianos” and from manufacturing companies abroad, such as “Cuivrinox” and “Cupright”.
 Τhe Copper Day event “Its Copper Time” is the second one organized by the H.C.D.I. in Greece, following the 1st International Congress “Copper and Public Health”, concerning the beneficial antimicrobial copper properties as a supplementary means for encountering the nosokomial infections, which trouble thousands of patients around the world.
The event was realized under the auspices of, the Greek Intensive Care Treatment Company, the Greek Infection Company and the Greek Chemotherapy Company.
 

St. Francis Private Hospital is the first in the world to embrace the latest science by specifying hygienic copper door handles throughout its facilities in a bid to reduce healthcare associated infections such as MRSA thus providing the best possible solid protection to its patients.

View full story on St Francis  hospital  website here

The Sunday Business Post of 10/01/2010 carries the following story:
Ballinderry Hosptial installs

Cuprights Infection Control system

.
Hospitals are now beginning to appreciate the effect these products can have on infections and are installing fittings throughout to complement their cleaning regimes and enhance their fight reducing the risk of acquiring an infection after surgery.

Full Story Here

breakingnews.i.e. 

St. Francis private hospital in Mullingar,Co. Wesstmeath, Ireland is first hospital in the world to fit Cupright's copper alloy antimicrobial hardware in the battle to combat the ever-growing number of [H.A.I's].

Website article link  here

St. Francis private hospital in Mullingar, co. Westmeath, Ireland become the first Hospital in the world to fit Cupright's revolutionary copper-alloy anti-microbial hardware in the fight against  the ever growing rate of H.A.I.'s [hospital acquired infections] 

Original Article Here

 Article as in Sunday Tribune