A textile technology designed to gradually release antiseptic agents onto the skin and nail areas has been granted National Invention Patent No. 118677, as part of a project involving faculty members from the Faculty of Health Sciences and Nursing (FCSE) at Universidade Católica Portuguesa.

The invention consists of a therapeutic compression sock or sleeve whose structure allows antiseptic agents to be incorporated and gradually released during use. The solution was designed for potential use as an adjunct in the prevention and treatment of conditions affecting the fingers and nails, including fungal infections such as onychomycosis. The patent protects the textile structure and the corresponding manufacturing method.

The team of inventors comprises seven people, including three faculty members from FCSE at Universidade Católica Portuguesa: Carla Ferreira da Silva Pais Vieira, Paulo Jorge Pereira Alves and Vasco Manuel da Silva Neves. The other inventors are Miguel Santos Pais Vieira, Demétrio Ferreira Matos, Gaspar Augusto Duarte de Sousa Coutinho and Vânia Alexandra Pinto e Ferreira Fontes.

The patent application was jointly filed by Universidade Católica Portuguesa, the University of Aveiro, the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave, and Barcelcom Têxteis, S.A.

The granting of the patent represents a significant outcome of research and development, with potential for further development and knowledge transfer, highlighting the importance of collaboration between academic institutions and business organisations.

Figure 3 of the patent document – schematic representation of the therapeutic stocking.