Motorola announced the i870 today, a phone that’s casing fights bacteria. Run a bacteria check on your phone, or watch one of those 20/20 investigates and you’ll see what drove this project.

The new Motorola the i870 is the first of its kind and purportedly combines all the necessary and expected multimedia options – 1.3 megapixel camera, MP3 player, a two way radio – with an antibacterial coating or shell. The antibacterial shell, brought to you by the folks at AgION, inhibits the growth of bacteria on its painted surface through the use of a non-toxic silver ion technology.

We have seen the emergence of antibacterial technology on other consumer products, such as refrigerators.

The Motorola i870 is available through Sprint’s Nextel channel and should cost you $299.99 with a 2 year contract.