TECHNOLOGY | ANTIMICROBIALS
Fraunhofer project to embed enzymes aims to make plastics self-cleaning
Scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP) are mid-way through a project to embed enzymes in plastics to provide characteristics such as self-cleaning or degradation. The Biopol Biofunctionalisation/Biologisation of Polymer
Materials project was commenced in 2018 in cooperation with Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg and aims to demonstrate the possibility of commercial production of enzyme-embedded plastics. Key to the embedding process is the use of porous inorganic
particles carrier particles that protect the enzyme from expo- sure to the high temperatures encountered during plastics processing. Both the carrier and the technology used to embed the enzyme in the carrier’s pores have to be developed to the specific type of enzyme and application, the researchers say. �
www.iap.fraunhofer.de
Enzyme-embedded polymer films in production Below:
Development of application- specific antimicrobial masterbatches is carried out at Sanitized’s technical centre in Switzerland
sive films for covering surfaces. Sanitized introduced a new portfolio of antimicrobial products in February this year. These BroadTect products — which are based on different active ingredients, active ingredient combinations, and delivery forms — have a broad protection spectrum and are effective against bacteria, mould, mildew, yeasts, and algae. “Every substrate has its own characteristics. From
our product portfolio we can choose the best one for the desired substrate,” says Münger. One of the new BroadTect products is the Sanitized MB E 19-71 masterbatch, which contains a combination of active ingredients. “It is a highly compatible masterbatch that can also be used at high tempera- tures and is extremely water and UV stable,” he says. Sanitized has tested its BroadTect products against the SARS-CoV-2 virus but is cautious about
making blanket statements about effectiveness because there is a high dependence on the substrate when evaluating a system. “With our experience, we can make recommendations as to which active ingredient performs well in which substrate,” Münger says. The company also points out that the regulatory landscape is complex, and recommends users be particularly careful about claims, depending on the country in which the antimicrobial or plastic articles will be sold. As antimicrobial properties vary depending on both the active ingredient and polymer, testing is critical, according to UK-based polymer additive supplier Radical Materials, which has a range of antimicrobials for plastics under its SteriTouch brand. “The pandemic has undeniably created a surge in demand for biocides, both in sectors in which they are commonly used and those in which there has previously been no real uptake,” says Nick Corlett, Director at Radical Materials. He says there is a particular interest in antimicro- bials and additives that combine antimicrobial and odour absorbing properties. Antiviral properties are another area of acute interest, but the company says there are challenges in achieving antiviral effects in moulded plastics. It is typically more feasible (from a cost perspective) to achieve antiviral properties in a thin coating than in a moulded product, Corlett advises. In April this year, Radical Materials introduced a new additive under its SteriTouch brand that the company claims has demonstrated an efficacy of
32 COMPOUNDING WORLD | July 2021
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: SANITIZED
IMAGE: FRAUNHOFER IAP
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