About ÆGIS Microbe Shield
Mold, mildew, bacteria, fungi, yeasts. Visible and invisible, beneficial and deadly but always present. The ÆGIS Microbe Shield Program provides protection and safe, effective solutions to microbial contamination. With the ÆGIS Microbe Shield Program you can solve existing problems (even after flooding and other catastrophic events) or can prevent problems from happening.
The key is the unique ÆGIS Microbe Shield Technology. In contrast to the conventional weapons you use in the unending battle with microbial contamination (sanitizers, disinfectants, bleach and biocides), it is odorless, durable, professionally applied – and effective. Even more important, it has nearly 30 years of safe use solving problems in virtually every type of building and on a broad array of consumer and healthcare products.
The active ingredient in the ÆGIS Microbe Shield products forms a colourless, odourless, positively charged polymer that molecularly bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the C-18 molecular sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn’t lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it.
What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?
Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents that can be coupled to other
molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface.
Our antimicrobial silane modifies virtually any surface and transforms it into a material that will not support microbial growth.
Are the ÆGIS Microbe Shield products quaternary compounds?
The ÆGIS active ingredient is an organofunctional silane, and yes part
of the molecule is a quaternary compound. Unlike traditional quats, which have a
limited kill spectrum, the ÆGIS technology provides long-term protection and
controls a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, fungus, algae, and
mold.
What is the difference between the ÆGIS Microbe Shield products and other
antimicrobials on the market?
Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the
organism or disrupting a vital life process. They are designed to act quickly
and dissipate quickly. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating surfaces
do an adequate job of killing bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited
range of effectiveness.
Against what types of bacteria is the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology
effective?
The ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology has a mode of action that involves a positive
charge and is effective against all bacteria, plus fungus, algae, and mold. A
representative list of microbes against which the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology
has been tested may be obtained by contacting us.
Will this technology adversely affect the skin or environment?
No. Since the antimicrobial is permanently bound to the surfaces it protects, it
does not leach from the fabric to the skin or into the environment. Extensive
toxicological testing shows the antimicrobial does not cross the skin barrier.
What biocide is used?
The ÆGIS active ingredient is 3-trimethoxysilylpropyloctade-cyldimethyl ammonium
chloride. The application level can vary by substrate, but generally the level
is approximately 0.25% of the antimicrobial’s active ingredient onto the weight
of the substrate. As an example, one kg of active ingredient will treat 400kg of
shoe liners. The most commonly used product is a 42% active material.
No. The ÆGIS Microbe Shield products do NOT contain any heavy metals. Tin, arsenic, silver and copper are often used in other antimicrobials.
Do the ÆGIS products give off gases after application?
No. They do not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. The chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that typically lasts for the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment; although it can be abraded away.
How is the treatment applied?
The ÆGIS products are applied in aqueous solution and can be inserted into almost any wet process during manufacturing at the mill. They can also be applied to finished goods. The antimicrobial is easily integrated into most jet, pad, and batch processes. The antimicrobial is cationic so it mixes well with other cationic and nonionic finishes (most softeners) and performs well in the same bath.
How long does the treatment last?
Since the cured antimicrobial is nonvolatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. The life of a treated surface depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If you treat a dirty or unstable surface, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, some of the antimicrobial will be removed with it. Abrasive or caustic (pH>10.5) cleaners will also shorten effective life.
Is there a test method to determine if the ÆGIS polymer is present?
Yes. The ÆGIS Shield is based on an active ingredient that, in most cases, can
be easily detected. A simple method of detection is available to demonstrate the
presence or absence of the treatment. Bromophenol Blue (BPB) stain testing
clearly shows the presence of the ÆGIS Microbe Shield in a matter of minutes.
Why are the ÆGIS antimicrobial products so durable?
Because of their exceptional chemical bond (a covalent bond) the bonded polymer
is neither soluble nor volatile. The unique bond results in the ÆGIS
antimicrobial polymer becoming an integral part of the substrate.
Will its use result in 'super bacteria'?
No. Adaptation studies show that microbes do not adapt to the ÆGIS Microbe
Shield and no 'Zone of Inhibition' develops.
What kinds of products use the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology?
The ÆGIS Microbe Shield protects a large number and variety of products from
odor, deterioration and contamination including medical, buildings and textiles.