Startup Creates Antimicrobial, 'Athletic' Apparel for Medical Professionals

Aegle Gear introduced new antimicrobial workwear for medical professionals with athletic attributes. (Image via Times Free Press)

George Brown, a designer and founder of Chattanooga, Tennessee-based Aegle Gear, came up with an idea for what he calls "health care performance apparel," which contains antimicrobial fabric, and is designed for the physical demands of working in the health care field.

According to the Times Free Press, Aegle Gear's new line of health care apparel uses features like extended necklines (so stethoscopes lay flat), articulated knees (so pants don't sag when the user kneels) and dedicated cellphone pockets.

Brown told the Times Free Press that traditional scrubs sometimes can spread disease and hospital-associated infections, and that his zinc-infused fabric wards off pathogens for 100 washings.

Brown has a background in athletic wear. Previously, he worked in sales and marketing for Adidas. Aegle Gear's team also includes Uli Becker, former CEO of Reebok.

Now, a Chattanooga area hospital will test Aegle Gear's antimicrobial scrubs in action.

"A group of nurses will be given two sets of the scrubs," Audrey Mosley, a project manager for the One to One Personal Physician Network, told the Times Free Press. "We'll be surveying them for their feedback and hopefully doing some sort of clinical trial."

Brown told the Times Free Press that he hopes to raise $1.5 million for the company to manufacture two years' worth of inventory ahead of its e-commerce launch.