3M announces acquisition of Biotrace International

3M has announced that it has completed the purchase of UK-based supplier of microbiology products, Biotrace International. The company supplies products for use in food processing, health care, defence and industrial hygiene.

It specialises in manufacturing hygiene monitors and tests for salmonella, listeria and e-coli, in addition to adenosine triphosphate testing for milk sterility and other tests.

3M currently combines antimicrobial products with detection and quality monitoring systems for the improved functioning in laboratories of global food suppliers and intends to further this aim and better improve consumer health in other sectors through this acquisition.

Chuck Kummeth, vice president of the medical division at 3M, said: “Biotrace International complements 3M’s core food processing safety business and enables us to expand into adjacent health care markets.”

In October, 3M announced the launch of the Ioban 3 antimicrobial incise drape 6661EZ, a surgical drape aimed for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.

The antimicrobial drape is constructed from breathable polyester incise film and coated with acrylate adhesive. The active antimicrobial agent that helps provide a sterile surface is molecular iodine.

3M notes that the skin is a primary source of staphylococci aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci and other microorganisms which account for a third of all infections to surgical wounds.