Commercialization of Dow Corning’s anti-microbial technology began in 1976 after receiving EPA registration under what are called "modern" standards of review. Years of research by Burlington Industries, outside laboratories and Dow Corning verified the safety and utility of direct human contact with this technology.

American Hospital Supply Corporation (now part of Baxter International) was reviewing the use of antimicrobials on medical non-woven products. The stringent rules governing the use of any particulates or chemicals that could enter the body via a wound, etc. made this review protocol very severe. Every available antimicrobial, medical and industrial, was screened for basic toxicity, effectiveness against the types of microorganisms encountered in surgery and compatibility with the variety of physical, chemical, and biological contaminants found on fabrics and in wounds, but most importantly, the agents durability to leaching (the consequences of contamination into a wound area can be profound).

This research eliminated all other antimicrobials except what is known today as the ÆGIS Antimicrobial , marketed as Xmicrobe by NW Microbe Free Solutions. American Hospital Supply Corporation, outside university laboratories, private laboratories and Dow Corning contributed over thirty (30) studies verifying the safety and performance of this technology in medical use.

FDA listings were obtained and ISO-BAC Medical Nonwovens were introduced to the market. After its release, Dow immediately started research and development programs, and after testing and reviewing all available antimicrobials, their technical assessment was unquestionable in its verification of the utility of the Dow Corning, now AEGIS® Antimicrobial, marketed as XMicrobe through NW Microbe Free Solutions, over any other technology available.