TECHNOLOGY | ANTIMICROBIALS
tal zinc, which functions by preventing bacteria and viruses from adhering to surfaces. The company claims that its approach to creating an antimicro- bial surface does not present any risk of creating resistance, is biocompatible, and is non-migrating. Parx says that its additive technology has proven
Above: Parx Materials has completed long term performance trials on domestic cutting boards containing its Saniconcen- trate additive
99.9999% within 3 hours against bacteriophage Phi6 and 93% in 2 hours against SARS-CoV-2. The liquid additive is suitable for solvent-based coating applications, although the company continues to explore antiviral additives for water-based systems and for polymers. “The range of BPR [the EU regulatory system]
and EPA registered biocides that are suitable for polymers and capable of providing good antiviral efficacy is limited,” says Corlett. “It is more difficult to achieve long-term, robust efficacy against viruses than it is against bacteria, particularly as the host material itself can play a significant part. A biocide that provides great antibacterial perfor- mance may show no antiviral efficacy in one material, but good efficacy in another.” Other challenges to be considered are that
antiviral additives can cause discoloration, incom- patibility with pigments, and loss of physical strength or flame retardancy. “Having tested most active substances, including those based on silver, copper, zinc, silane quats and several organics, we now have a much clearer picture of how each performs in different materials and under different conditions,” says Corlett. Netherlands-based Parx Materials produces its Saniconcentrate additive technology using elemen-
Right: Toothbrushes are a potential application for Benvic’s Plastisafe antimicrobial masterbatches
efficacy against growth of mould, fungi, bacteria, and viruses such as Corona 229E, H1N1 and H3N2, according to ISO 21702 and ISO 18184 tests. In solid surfaces, the technology reaches an efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 of 99% in 24 hours, according to CEO Michaël van der Jagt. It is also said to be effective against another microbe of concern: Candida auris – a drug-resistant fungus that can persist on surfaces. The company reported in June that its Saniconcentrate has shown an 87% efficacy against Candida auris after 24 hours. Earlier this year, Parx also announced the results
of a four-year, real-life durability test in which cutting boards containing 3% Saniconcentrate were used in households and washed in dishwashers over an estimated 1000 dishwasher cycles. Tests showed that the boards maintained their antibacte- rial activity and demonstrated ‘as new’ antimicrobial performance at the end of the experiment, which van der Jagt says confirms that the additive is non-migrating even under harsh conditions. Parx Materials continues to launch new products and develop applications, with the most recent introductions for the compounding sector being a range of additives for polyamide and injection moulded ABS.
Alternate technologies US-based Gelest, acquired by Mitsubishi Chemical Company in 2020, uses an antimicrobial technology based on silane quaternary ammonium salts. This non-migrating additive features a strong positive charge that disrupts the cell membrane of microor- ganisms and is said to be effective against bacteria, fungi, and algae. “Silane quat antimicrobials don’t promote antimicrobial resistance, they provide durable antimicrobial protection, and they have a
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COMPOUNDING WORLD | July 2021
www.compoundingworld.com
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
IMAGE: BENVIC GROUP
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