Chile tests copper- and zinc-infused suits on injured penguins
In Chile, red-and-white fabric suits with microscopic copper and zinc particles are being tested on injured penguins. The birds are staying at the Humboldt nature conservation center, and the clothing is intended to help protect their wounds and speed up healing.
Microparticles are sewn into the fibers
The suits were developed by Chilean researchers using Copptech technology. Microscopic copper and zinc particles are sewn into the fibers of the red fabric, so the material does not have a metallic appearance and the metals are not located on its surface.
As YLE News reports, Copptech technology is being tested on birds for the first time. The penguins are at the center temporarily: after recovery, the wild animals are to be returned to their natural habitat.
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Fishing nets may have caused the wounds
The penguins brought to the center were likely injured after becoming entangled in fishing nets. Thomas Pino, head of the Humboldt nature conservation center and a veterinarian, noted that protecting the birds' wounds is difficult because of their highly flexible necks.
According to Estefanía Guidotti, marketing manager at the textile innovation company Kimba Vet, copper and zinc eliminate bacteria, fungi, and mites during recovery. She also stated that a suit with Copptech technology promotes faster tissue healing.
