Infection control


Antimicrobial tech: a promising solution for enhanced hygiene


By actively inhibiting the spread of microorganisms on surfaces, materials, and medical devices, antimicrobial additive technology presents a promising solution to the hygiene challenges faced by care homes, as Paul Willocks, marketing manager for Addmaster, explains


There are numerous news stories on an almost weekly basis talking about care homes struggling with hygiene management. This reporting highlights a critical issue within the care home sector where maintaining a high level of cleanliness and hygiene is essential for the wellbeing of both residents and staff who live and work in close proximity. Despite rigorous cleaning protocols, bacteria and other microorganisms can still lurk within these communal living spaces, posing hygiene challenges for care home operators and healthcare workers. Antimicrobial additive technology presents a promising solution to this ongoing challenge by actively inhibiting the proliferation of microorganisms on surfaces, materials, and medical devices commonly found in care homes. This antimicrobial technology can be integrated into a wide range of products and surfaces. By incorporating antimicrobial technology into key touchpoints such as countertops, door handles, and medical devices, facilities can significantly enhance their microbial control efforts. This not only helps to create a more hygienic living environment for residents but also contributes to an improved working environment for staff. The integration of antimicrobial technology perfectly complements the frequent cleaning and disinfection that already takes place, providing passive hygiene that works around the clock.


Understanding antimicrobial additive technology Antimicrobial additive technology is most commonly integrated into products and surfaces at the point of manufacture. During the manufacturing process, antimicrobial additives are added directly into the raw materials. These antimicrobial additives are specifically designed to inhibit


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the growth and spread of microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The technology ensures that the antimicrobial properties are inherent to the product itself, providing continuous product protection without the need for additional applications or treatments at a later date. This proactive approach offers sustained product protection against microbial growth throughout the usable lifespan of a product. By maintaining a consistently high level of hygiene, antimicrobial additive technology creates an improved environment for vulnerable populations and staff with care homes.


One of the most effective antimicrobial


technologies uses silver ions. Silver ion technology has been extensively studied and proven to be highly effective in


Antimicrobial technology can be integrated into a wide range of products and surfaces


disrupting microbial activity. Silver ions work by interfering with key microbial functions, such as cellular respiration and DNA replication, crucial for the survival and reproduction of microorganisms. When microorganisms come into contact with silver ions, these ions penetrate the cell walls and disrupt vital cellular processes, leading to the suppression of microbial growth and proliferation. Antimicrobial coatings can also be


applied to product surfaces to create a protective barrier against microbial colonisation and delay biofilm formation. These coatings are engineered to form a durable, long-lasting layer, actively inhibiting the attachment and growth of microorganisms. This protective barrier reduces surface contamination by making it difficult for microbes to adhere and multiply. Additionally, antimicrobial coatings help delay the formation of biofilms, which are complex communities of microorganisms that can be particularly challenging to eradicate. By preventing biofilm formation, these coatings enhance the hygiene of surfaces.


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com September 2024


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