Hauppauge, N.Y.-based Crosstex International Inc. — a subsidiary of Little Falls, N.J.-based
infection prevention and control products provider Cantel Medical Corp. — has developed the Ultra
Sensitive face mask treated with Biosafe® antimicrobial. The Biosafe treatment additive —
developed by Pittsburgh-based Biosafe Inc. — is an organo-functional silane technology that
chemically binds to the outer mask surface, creating a long-lasting shield against contamination
from microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus and other microorganisms upon contact. The masks have been proven effective at
protecting against Influenza A strains including seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus, according to
Crosstex.
“Face masks serve as the first line of defense against airborne particles by trapping them in
the filter media,” said Gary Steinberg, CEO, Crosstex. “However, live microorganisms can continue
to live on the mask surface. Our new Biosafe-treated Ultra Sensitive face masks enhance the
functionality of the mask by effectively killing the harmful microorganisms, reducing the
cross-contamination risk from touching the mask itself and creating a safer environment upon
disposal of the mask. The Biosafe treatment additive, as approved by the EPA [Environmental
Protection Agency], is compatible with our manufacturing process. Even better, because Biosafe
mechanically kills cells, it will not cause the development of more resistant ‘superbugs.’”
Cantel recently announced that it has made a strategic investment in Biosafe and plans to
integrate the Biosafe additive into other products. The masks currently are available in certain
markets outside of the United States. Crosstex is in the process of submitting an application to
the EPA for clearance to sell the masks in the United States for non-medical applications. Sale in
the United States of face masks treated with Biosafe antimicrobial for medical applications is
subject to a 510(k) clearance by the US Food and Drug Administration.
October 27, 2009
