The active ingredient in the anti-microbial forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer, which chemically bonds to the treated surfaces, think of it as a layer of electrically charged spikes. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the “quat” or “spike” 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 spike is ready for the next cell to contact it. Normal cleaning of treated surfaces is necessary to prevent buildup of dirt, dead microbes, etc. which could cover the “spikes,” prohibiting it from killing microorganisms.
Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents, which can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface. This process modifies surface properties of treated areas and transforms them into a material that will not support microbial growth. In other words, it is the “glue” that holds the “spike” to the surface.
Conventional products are absorbed into living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating surfaces do a great job of getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited spectrum of effectiveness. The technology takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, like the conventional methods but it also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces. The surface itself is modified to make it actively antimicrobial.
The process is a two step application. First, a surface preparation must be done with an EPA registered antimicrobial disinfectant. A disinfected surface allows the treatment to impact and fuse into a safe, durable barrier. Once correctly applied, it’s consistently effective in extreme temperature and wet weather conditions.
Since the cured antimicrobial is non-volatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment will last until it’s abraded from the surface. A treated surface’s life span depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. Treating a dirty or unstable surface decreases the effectiveness of the antimicrobial. Abrasive or caustic cleaners (pH 12.0) can shorten the effective life of a treated surface. Although studies have shown some substrates remaining effective for the life of the surface, we recommend high touch surfaces be treated every 30 days.
The treated surface is protected for 30 days without reapplying. That’s right, it keeps killing germs for 30 days. Even with routine cleaning. Our certified technicians come to your facility and provide a through coating to all your touchpoints, giving you the peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything possible to provide a safe, healthy workplace for everyone who enters and works in your building or your home.
