Anti-Microbial
Antimicrobial nanocoatings and materials using silver, copper, and other agents
Nanophase Technologies
Romeoville, United States
Nanophase Technologies Corporation, a NASDAQ-traded pioneer established in 1989, specializes in engineered nanomaterials and advanced formulations serving the personal care, surface treatment, and industrial markets. Based in Romeoville, Illinois, Nanophase has distinguished itself through proprietary manufacturing processes that produce precisely controlled zinc oxide nanoparticles and other metal oxide nanomaterials with exceptional uniformity and performance characteristics. With over $100 million in funding and 50-100 employees, the company has successfully transitioned from research-stage nanotechnology to commercial-scale production, demonstrating the viability of nanomaterials in consumer applications. Nanophase's core technology revolves around physical vapor synthesis methods that create ultra-pure, non-agglomerated nanoparticles with narrow size distributions—critical attributes for consistent product performance. Their zinc oxide nanoparticles, marketed extensively to the personal care industry, provide transparent, broad-spectrum UV protection in sunscreens and cosmetics without the white residue associated with conventional zinc oxide. These nanomaterials offer superior photostability and cosmetic elegance while maintaining safety profiles that meet stringent regulatory requirements. Beyond personal care, Nanophase develops surface treatment solutions where nanoparticle-enhanced coatings provide antimicrobial properties, enhanced durability, and improved optical characteristics. The company's personal care actives portfolio includes not only UV filters but also anti-aging ingredients and skin-conditioning agents enhanced through nanotechnology. Nanophase works closely with formulation scientists at major consumer product companies to integrate their nanomaterials into commercial products, providing technical support throughout product development and regulatory approval processes. The company's manufacturing facilities incorporate advanced process controls and quality assurance systems necessary for producing materials that contact human skin, meeting FDA and international safety standards. Throughout its three-decade history, Nanophase has accumulated extensive intellectual property including patents covering nanoparticle synthesis, surface modification, and formulation technologies. The company represents a successful model for commercializing nanotechnology in strictly regulated consumer markets, demonstrating how engineered nanomaterials can enhance product performance while addressing safety and environmental concerns. As consumer demand for high-performance, transparent sunscreens continues growing, Nanophase's expertise in cosmetically elegant nanoparticle formulations positions the company for continued growth in the multi-billion dollar personal care market.
NanoHorizons
Bellefonte, United States
NanoHorizons, Inc., founded in 2002 and based in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, has specialized in developing antimicrobial silver nanoparticle technology for textiles and surface treatment applications. With over $20 million in funding and 10-50 employees, the company pioneered commercial applications of silver nanoparticles' potent antibacterial properties, particularly in fabrics and consumer products. NanoHorizons emerged during early enthusiasm for nanotechnology's potential to solve practical problems, focusing on the well-known antimicrobial properties of silver but enhancing them through nanoscale engineering. The company's flagship SmartSilver technology consists of precisely engineered silver nanoparticles and silver-containing compounds that provide sustained antimicrobial protection when incorporated into textiles, coatings, and plastics. At the nanoscale, silver exhibits dramatically enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to bulk silver, requiring far smaller quantities to achieve bacterial, fungal, and viral inhibition. This efficiency stems from nanoparticles' high surface-area-to-volume ratios and their ability to release silver ions in controlled manner. NanoHorizons developed application technologies allowing silver nanoparticles to be durably attached to textile fibers, maintaining antimicrobial performance through repeated washing cycles—a critical requirement for commercial textile applications. The company's antimicrobial additives have been incorporated into athletic wear, medical textiles, military uniforms, footwear, and home textiles, providing odor control and hygiene benefits. In healthcare settings, silver nanoparticle-treated fabrics reduce bacterial colonization on hospital linens and scrubs, potentially mitigating infection transmission. NanoHorizons worked with major textile manufacturers and consumer brands to integrate SmartSilver into products, providing technical support for application processes and efficacy testing. The company developed various product forms including aqueous dispersions, powder additives, and master batches compatible with different textile treatment and polymer compounding processes. Beyond textiles, NanoHorizons applied its technology to antimicrobial coatings for surfaces, plastics, and other materials requiring bacterial resistance. The company navigated evolving regulatory landscapes for nanomaterial applications, particularly EPA regulations governing antimicrobial products and consumer safety considerations. As public awareness of nanomaterial safety grew, NanoHorizons invested in toxicology studies and environmental fate research, addressing questions about silver nanoparticle release and ecological impacts. The company's experience illustrates both opportunities and challenges in commercializing consumer-facing nanotechnology applications—while silver nanoparticles deliver clear antimicrobial benefits, regulatory complexity, environmental concerns, and public perception issues complicate market development. NanoHorizons has adapted its strategy over time, emphasizing safe, responsible nanomaterial applications with clear performance benefits. The company represents the cohort of early nanotechnology firms that helped establish commercial nano-enabled consumer products, contributing to understanding how nanomaterials can be responsibly incorporated into everyday products while addressing legitimate safety and environmental concerns.
Nanobio Corporation
Ann Arbor, United States
Developer of nanoemulsion-based products for infection and vaccine delivery
Nanotextiles
Yokneam, Israel
Developer of nano-enhanced antimicrobial textiles
Nanox Brazil
São Carlos, Brazil
Antimicrobial nanoparticle coatings and additives
Rudolf Group Nano
Geretsried, Germany
Textile chemicals with nano-finish technology
NBD Nanotechnologies
Boston, United States
Bio-inspired nanocoatings
NanoPack
Haifa, Israel
Antimicrobial nano food packaging
Ad-Nano Technologies
Bangalore, India
Silver and other metal nanoparticle manufacturer
Smith+Nephew
Watford, United Kingdom
Medical devices with nanocrystalline silver wound care and orthopedic implants
Nanotex
Emeryville, United States
Pioneer in nano-enhanced textile technologies for stain and water resistance
Nano-Tex (Burlington)
Greensboro, United States
Textile manufacturer with nanotechnology-enhanced fabric treatments
Alexium International
Perth, Australia
Advanced textile chemicals including flame retardant and phase-change materials
Noble Biomaterials
Scranton, United States
Silver-based antimicrobial technologies for textiles and medical applications
Polygiene
Malmö, Sweden
Antimicrobial and odor control technologies using silver chloride for textiles
Microban International
Huntersville, United States
Antimicrobial technologies for textiles, plastics, and coatings using nano-silver and other actives
Sanitized AG
Burgdorf, Switzerland
Antimicrobial and hygiene function additives for textiles and polymers
Asian Paints
Mumbai, India
Paint company with nano-based antibacterial and waterproofing technologies
Ecolab
St. Paul, United States
Global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions
Stericycle
Bannockburn, United States
Compliance company providing medical waste and secure information destruction
American Express
New York, United States
Integrated payments company providing charge and credit cards globally
Milliken & Company
Spartanburg, United States
Diversified industrial company providing textiles and specialty chemicals
VF Corporation
Denver, United States
Global apparel and footwear company with outdoor and performance brands
Lululemon Athletica
Vancouver, Canada
Athletic apparel company with technical performance fabrics
Under Armour
Baltimore, United States
Athletic performance apparel company with moisture-wicking technology
Arc'teryx
North Vancouver, Canada
High-performance outdoor equipment and apparel company
Columbia Sportswear
Portland, United States
Outdoor apparel company with proprietary technologies like Omni-Heat
PVH Corp
New York, United States
Global apparel company owning Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger brands
Hanesbrands
Winston-Salem, United States
Basic apparel company producing innerwear and activewear
Dyson
Malmesbury, United Kingdom
British technology company known for vacuums and air treatment products
Philips
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dutch health technology company with personal care and connected care
Electrolux
Stockholm, Sweden
Swedish home appliance manufacturer with global presence
Whirlpool Corporation
Benton Harbor, United States
American home appliance company owning multiple appliance brands
Haier Smart Home
Qingdao, China
Chinese home appliances company with global brands including GE Appliances
100 Thieves
Los Angeles, United States
Esports and apparel company bridging gaming and lifestyle
Fanatics
Jacksonville, United States
Sports merchandise and collectibles company expanding into betting
Hoka
Goleta, United States
Performance footwear brand known for maximalist cushioning
Asics
Kobe, Japan
Japanese athletic footwear and apparel company
Puma
Herzogenaurach, Germany
German multinational sports brand with footwear and apparel
Echelon Fitness
Chattanooga, United States
Connected fitness company with affordable equipment
Gopuff
Philadelphia, United States
Instant delivery platform for convenience goods
Airbnb
San Francisco, United States
Vacation rental marketplace connecting hosts and travelers
Marriott International
Bethesda, United States
World's largest hotel company with 30+ brands
Hilton Worldwide
McLean, United States
Global hospitality company with diverse hotel brands
InterContinental Hotels
Denham, United Kingdom
British hospitality company with global hotel brands
Hyatt Hotels
Chicago, United States
Global hospitality company focused on premium brands
Accor
Paris, France
French hospitality company with hotels and lifestyle brands
Wyndham Hotels
Parsippany, United States
World's largest hotel franchising company
Choice Hotels
Rockville, United States
Hotel franchising company with midscale brands
Norwegian Cruise Line
Miami, United States
Cruise line known for freestyle cruising
ChowNow
Los Angeles, United States
Commission-free online ordering system for restaurants
Selina
New York, United States
Experiential hospitality brand with hotels, coworking, and community
TSM
Los Angeles, United States
Professional esports organization
Sonder
San Francisco, United States
Tech-enabled hospitality company
Veev
Hayward, United States
Panelized home construction
Safely
San Francisco, United States
Vacation rental protection
Americold Realty Trust
Atlanta, United States
Temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics REIT
KorganoTech
Seoul, South Korea
Nanotechnology-based air filters
Metalchemy
London, United Kingdom
Green nanotechnology antimicrobial coatings for food shelf life
Nanosci
Warsaw, Poland
Photocatalytic nanotech air purification and disinfection for commercial spaces
Nanogen
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Pharmaceutical-grade silver nanoparticle antimicrobial solutions
Silversol
Salt Lake City, United States
Silver nanoparticle technology for wound care and antimicrobial applications
Nano Textile
Tel Aviv, Israel
Single-step zinc oxide nano-coating for permanent antibacterial textiles
Nano-Tex
Bloomfield Hills, United States
Leading nanotechnology textile company with global production facilities
TEXRAY
Taipei, Taiwan
Functional nanotextile manufacturing for performance apparel
Nanotex Textile
Istanbul, Turkey
Nanotechnology-enhanced textile production
Kitocoat
Madrid, Spain
Chitosan-based edible nano-coatings for fruit shelf-life extension
NanoBioTech Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Plant-based antimicrobial nanoparticles from silver, zinc, and iron