Nanofiber Napkin Could Detect Biohazards

Environment News Service, September, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO, California (ENS) — --> The napkins and paper towels of the future may be able to detect bacteria, viruses and other dangerous substances in hospitals, airplanes and other commonly contaminated places, according to a Cornell University scientist. The biodegradable absorbent wipe would contain nanofibers with antibodies to numerous biohazards and chemicals.

Users would simply wipe the napkin across a surface and it would signal a detection by changing color or through another effect when the antibodies attached to their targets. "It's very inexpensive, it wouldn't require that someone be highly trained to use it, and it could be activated for whatever you want to find," said Margaret Frey, of a professor of fiber science and apparel design at Cornell University....

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