Safety Gloves for Protection of Health Care Professionals

Project Information

SafeGlov

Grant agreement ID: 880328

DOI

10.3030/880328

Project closed

EC signature date 15 November 2019

Start date 1 December 2019

End date 31 May 2023

Funded under

• INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs

Total cost

€ 2 655 800,00

EU contribution

€ 1 850 060,00

Coordinated by

SMARTERIALS TECHNOLOGY GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 3 - SafeGlov (Safety Gloves for Protection of Health Care Professionals)

Reporting period: 2021-12-01 to 2023-05-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Needlestick, cut, or syringe puncture-based injuries pose significant risks to healthcare personnel, both during pandemics and normal circumstances. These injuries not only cause direct harm but also compromise the protective barrier of gloves upon perforation. When gloves are perforated, they no longer offer adequate protection against potentially infectious contact, leaving healthcare professionals vulnerable to contaminated body fluids that may carry blood-borne diseases like hepatitis B/C and HIV. Incidents of such nature are alarmingly common, with millions of officially reported cases each year in the EU. The associated costs of these incidents place a substantial burden on Europe's communal healthcare systems, exerting significant financial pressure and necessitating the adoption of innovative solutions to address the growing demand for safety.

In a groundbreaking development, Smarterials has introduced a pioneering solution by integrating a functional multi-layer into a single glove, revolutionizing the field with its simplified design, enhanced comfort, and improved safety. The Two-in-One gloves feature a sandwich layer that provides multiple barriers of protection and includes a visual indicator to alert the user in the event of a breach. These gloves offer unparalleled comfort during donning and wearing. Furthermore, their production and use are more resource-efficient and cost-effective compared to existing double gloving systems.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Smarterials has successfully completed the development of its innovative Two-in-One gloves and is now ready to enter the market with this cutting-edge technology. A significant amount of effort has been dedicated to optimizing the materials, specifically Smarterials' suspension, in terms of functionality, scalability, sustainability and product safety. This involved close collaboration with suppliers from the chemical industry and subsequent scaling up of the production process to an industrial scale.

To streamline the manufacturing process, a state-of-the-art robotic dip-coating system was constructed. This system was instrumental in adapting the technology for standardized lab production and fine-tuning the parameters of the dipping process, such as timings and temperatures for various industrial steps. This development enabled a smooth transition to production lines. Furthermore, Smarterials engaged in international cooperation with a Malaysian company and university to conduct development activities in Asia. Starting remotely and then through a joint effort, successful batch production and feasibility on a continuous chain production line were achieved, effectively demonstrating the transferability to a large-scale production.

On the commercial side, Smarterials has conducted multiple user studies to showcase the numerous benefits of the Two-in-One product. These studies have generated significant interest among users, indicating a high likelihood of successful customer adoption. To safeguard their intellectual property, Smarterials has continuously expanded their patent coverage, successfully obtaining patent applications in several important markets, including Japan, Australia, and Brazil, with plans to expand further.

Furthermore, Smarterials has proactively prepared for the final commercialization phase by engaging in negotiations with various partners in Germany, Europe and internationally. These discussions have centered around the establishment of modified continuous chain production lines. Currently, Smarterials is in the process of selecting the most suitable path to finalize their commercialization activities. As a major outcome of the project, the product will soon be launched on the surgical gloves market.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Society's reliance on a well-functioning healthcare system is indisputable. The Covid-19 pandemic has vividly demonstrated the socio-economic significance and the impact of high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE). During the height of the crisis, with PPE stocks running low, hospitals and public institutions were compelled to purchase any available products, sometimes resorting to uncertified options. However, in 2021, the situation surrounding PPE gradually improved. As a result, competitive market conditions were reinstated, allowing high-quality products to regain their strong positions in the market.

Smarterials has diligently developed a groundbreaking product that literally adds an extra layer of safety for healthcare professionals. Our innovative gloves offer protection against blood and body fluid contamination, as well as chemotherapeutics and similar pharmaceuticals.
The SME Instrument Ph II project has shown successful transfer of the Two-in-One technology to a major glove production company, implementation of this innovation in regulatory affairs unhindered by any technological or material barriers and market validation with glove product samples.
Our gloves are a crucial component in enhancing the safety of healthcare personnel during their work, preserving the well-being of these individuals, and safeguarding the integrity of healthcare systems as a whole. In the future, the Two-in-One gloves will eliminate the necessity of wearing two pairs of gloves to make use of a perforation indicator, leading to a substantial reduction in packaging waste and disposable medical products. By combining functionality, safety, and sustainability, our gloves are driving positive change in the healthcare industry.

image-1.png