Aulana and NgaPure : Novel Nanogold Coloured and Antimicrobial Nanosilver Woollen Textiles: The Journey of Discovery, the Nanoscience and Pathway to Commercialisation

摘要

Aulana and NgaPure products innovatively combine the nanoscience of gold and silver with wool fibre proteins to nanofunctionalise wool and produce a boutique colour range of novel nanogold-wool textiles {Aulana) and also through the use of silver to impart durable and highly effective antimicrobial properties to woollen textiles (NgaPure) respectively. Aulana has captured the exciting and unique opportunity whereby the prestige and high value of gold are linked to the high quality of New Zealand wool through the use of the surface plasmon resonance effects of nanogold, to provide novel stable colourfast colourants. The nanogold and silver entities are chemically bound to the wool fibres. Noble Bond Ltd which own the Aulana and NgaPure brands, is commercialising Aulana products for use in luxury apparel, upholstery textiles, rugs and carpets, and the NgaPure antimicrobial treatment technology for woollen products for use in transport and public seating upholstery, furnishing textiles and carpets. This utilises Noble Bond's network of businesses concerned with the wool industry and high value woollen products.