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Corning shows off germ fighting antimicrobial Gorilla Glass at CES

In an effort to combat spreading germs and bacteria through sharing smart phones and touch screen devices, Corning announced today plans to produce a Gorilla Glass variant with an antimicrobial surface for inhibiting bacterial growth. This version of Corning Gorilla Glass is made up of an antibacterial agent and contains levels of ionic silver that sustains the germ fighting capabilities through the life of the surface, according to the company.

Corning notes its antimicrobial glass is the first of its kind to be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency, and is currently “being tested with numerous manufacturers for various applications.”

“Corning’s Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass inhibits the growth of algae, mold, mildew, fungi, and bacteria because of its built-in antimicrobial property, which is intrinsic to the glass and effective for the lifetime of a device,” said James R. Steiner, senior vice president and general manager, Corning Specialty Materials.

The announcement comes just days after the company shared plans for producing 3D-shaped Gorilla Glass for curved displays, something of which we suspect future iOS devices could take advantage. As for Corning’s germ-fighting display technology, the company says it’s proven to be produceable at scale so hopefully we see this innovation on future devices sooner than later.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egU8GLD7MG8&feature=youtu.be]

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Comments

  1. Ryan Carr - 11 years ago

    Until this is available, consumers may want to check out the company Global Shield Solutions, http://www.globalshieldsolutions.com. They have a product which can be applied to cell phones, other personal electronic devices, keyboards and almost any other surface that can inhibit the growth, and the associated odors and stains, related to bacteria, viruses, mold and algae with a spray on, non-toxic product that can last up to 90 days (or for up to a year with the long term version) per application at pennies per treatment. The product is being used in hospitals, athletic facilities, schools and offices and is EPA approved.

  2. Oh please. *rolls eyes*

  3. Ultramet (@ultramet) - 11 years ago

    Ok..but can they develop a portable shielding device that I can also use on ATMs, elevator buttons, door knobs, toilet seat handles, faucets, and all other functional objects that I must touch in everyday life. Maybe they can design a plastic bubble that I can live in whenever I use my iOS devices…this is getting ridiculous. Yes, bacteria can be cultured from electronic devices, but the same could be said of almost everything at work and in your home. That doesn’t prove that they lead to the spread of disease.

  4. Johan Gunverth - 11 years ago

    Most stupid product ever? There literally gazillions of bacterias everywhere…that we need to have the immune system fit and trained. Also; the bacterias on MY smartphone are more or less the same bacterias on other surfaces I touch every day.

  5. herb02135go - 11 years ago

    How about washing your hands an occasionally wiping down the screen?
    Or not lending your phone?

  6. rettun1 - 11 years ago

    I guess they can’t make it much harder

  7. ronie678 - 11 years ago

    Reblogged this on Ronak's Apple iNews.

Author

Avatar for Zac Hall Zac Hall

Zac covers Apple news, hosts the 9to5Mac Happy Hour podcast, and created SpaceExplored.com.

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