Tetramer Receives OTA to Advance Protective Fabrics for Soldiers

Tetramer Technologies is proud to announce the receipt of a 5-year Other Transaction Authority (OTA) program through the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Consortium managed by Advanced Technology International (ATI) and on behalf of Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). This funding supports the integration of Tetramer’s advanced Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) bead technology into protective fabrics designed to safeguard soldiers operating in chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear
(CBRN) environments.

Tetramer’s proprietary MOF bead technology provides dual functionality in protective fabrics, enabling both adsorption and on-contact decontamination of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs). This innovative material is designed to provide advanced protection for soldiers in CBRN scenarios, reducing exposure risks and enhancing operational safety.

“This project represents a significant step forward in integrating cutting-edge materials into protective gear,” said Heather Lange, Principal Investigator at Tetramer. “Our MOF beads are capable of adsorbing and neutralizing CWAs and TICs on contact, offering a new level of defense for those operating in high-stakes environments. We are thrilled to collaborate with industry leaders to create fabrics that combine functionality, comfort, and safety, addressing the complex needs of today’s warfighters.”

The project benefits from Tetramer’s partnership with Kappler, Inc., a leader in protective suit manufacturing. Kappler’s extensive experience in developing and manufacturing specialized protective apparel ensures that Tetramer’s MOF bead technology will be incorporated into low-burden, high-performance PPE that meet the rigorous demands of soldiers operating in CBRN environments.

In addition to Kappler, several key collaborators are contributing to the success of this project. Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA) will provide guidance for fabric materials best suited for integration of Tetramer’s MOF bead technology. Dr. Chris Cole, Clemson University Professor Emerita in Materials Science and Engineering and Clemson Textiles Lead, will lend expertise in textile evaluation and fabric design. Battelle will conduct agent testing to validate the performance of the protective fabrics under realistic threat conditions. Together, these partners strengthen the program’s foundation and ensure the transition of high-performance materials from laboratory innovation to field-ready protection.

Adam Haldeman, Tetramer’s Vice President of Research and Development, commented on the development of the technology, “This award represents a critical step in advancing a technology that began as a concept at Tetramer over five years ago. This support will allow us to transition it into field-ready prototype garments— delivering protection to the warfighter in the most demanding operational environments.”

Building on these opportunities, Michelle DiMaio, CEO of Tetramer Technologies, emphasized the broader impact, “This OTA project marks an important starting point focused on enhancing military protective fabrics, but it’s just the beginning. We’re excited to pursue new opportunities and partnerships that will expand the use of this versatile material across a range of military and industrial applications.”

This program represents more than an advancement in protective fabrics—it’s a demonstration of how Tetramer’s innovation pipeline delivers real-world solutions to national security challenges. As MOF bead technology moves toward deployment, Tetramer remains committed to protecting those who serve and advancing high-performance materials from lab to battlefield.

For more information about Tetramer’s MOF bead technology, visit: https://www.tetramer.com/products/mofs.