Developments in anti-microbial masterbatches with silver based technologies, Additives for Plastics

Developments in anti-microbial masterbatches with silver based technologies

As a metal, silver is well known for its antimicrobial effects. Silver ions and silver compounds show a toxic effect on some bacteria, viruses, algae and fungi, typical for heavy metals like lead or mercury, but without the high toxicity to humans normally associated with the other metals. There has been renewed interest in silver as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. The industry has seen several developments in anti-microbial masterbatches with silver based technologies to reduce the dangers of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI).
To support the development of medical devices with surfaces that are active against bacteria, Clariant has added anti-microbial masterbatches based on MedX anti-microbial agents from SANITIZED® AG to its dedicated MEVOPUR® range. Independent testing of the active ingredients by Sanitized has shown them to be effective against antibiotic resistant strains. The development responds to the increased need for anti-microbials in applications such as surgical instruments, catheters, connectors for tubing, and in-line filters to help reduce the transmission of bacteria that are potential causes of secondary infection. SANITIZED AG has now moved its comprehensive silver expertise to the medical field. The result is a new Sanitized® MedX 200s active agent series, which can be used for polyolefin, thermoplastic elastomers, PVC and engineering polymers. When embedded in polymers, Sanitized® MedX 200s allows reduction of bacteria populations on the surface of treated medical devices�permanently and reliably. It covers a broad antimicrobial spectrum, including gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and is effective against MRSA and VRE. It is an active contribution to reducing the danger of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI).
The Biomaster range of Silver based additives for plastics provides exceptional anti microbial and antibacterial performance, is thermally stable and available for all masterbatch carriers. This range of additives for plastics has been tried and tested in many polymers and systems are available for clear and opaque end applications- such as PET, PP, PPS, ABS, EVA, PEEK, Acetal, Acrylic, GPPS, HIPS, Nylon, PC, PC/ABS, PE, PSU, PU, PVC, SAN. A clear finish has been achieved in engineering polymers such as SAN, PC and Transparent ABS. The unique nature of Biomaster additives gives plastics and polymers excellent bacterial protection from:
Healthcare Infections: Bacteria grow on almost any surface imaginable, many healthcare applications would benefit from having Biomaster treated door handles, soap dispensers, storage units, waste bins and bags. With Hospital Acquired Infections (HAI's) including MRSA increasing, this is an easy, cost effective antimicrobial & antibacterial solution to protect patients and staff.
Food Related Bacteria: If left untreated, harmful bacteria such as E.Coli and Salmonella can grow on surfaces within a matter of minutes. Chopping boards, serving utensils, food storage containers and other items that come into contact with food are all at risk of contamination. These additives for plastics prevent the growth of these bacteria within a durable, wash proof application.
Odour Control: Mal-odours associated with waste are produced by bacteria such as Pseudomonas thriving in the moisture layers of decomposing items. Treating items such nappy bins, bin liners and wheelie bins with these additives stops the growth of this bacteria, preventing mal-odours and the risk of infection from any other bacteria.
The unique nature of Biomaster Antimicrobial & antibacterial additives offers many benefits, including:
Anti-Wash: When applied to the final application through normal polymer manufacturing process, this becomes an integral part of the end product. It will not wash off, and is expected to outlast the useful lifespan of the product.
Stability: It is a thermally stable additive, tested up to 600°C and is therefore suitable for all polymer applications, even PEEK.
Performance - These additives contain typically 10 times more silver than other silver based Antimicrobial & antibacterial systems and therefore are highly active at very low addition levels. The Silver ions are also released on demand and so defend against bacteria only in the event of a bacterial attack and will not "leach" out of the product. Due to the high concentration, it is effective against bacteria, fungi, yeast and algae. Biomaster has been tested against over 50 bacteria in over 2000 applications normally achieving a 99.99% reduction. Due to the efficacy of Biomaster only a very small addition level is required ensuring a very cost application. The Biomaster range of Antimicrobial & antibacterial additives for plastics is approved for:
• BgVV
• All Classifications of Medical Devices*
• EPA*
• FDA
• NHS Rapid Review*
• Skin Contact
A. Schulman is expanding the range of its specialty antibacterial and antimicrobial masterbatch solutions to meet a wider variety of application needs in the packaging, consumer products and medical markets. It�s Polybatch® ABACT antibacterial masterbatches inhibit the growth of microorganisms that can cause odors, discoloration, formation of mildew, or deterioration in the physical properties of plastics. Polybatch� AMIC antimicrobial masterbatches protect against bacteria and fungus. Utilizing silver ion technologies, these antibacterials and antimicrobials are designed to provide consumers with peace of mind and an added layer of protection. Among the Company's range of solutions are:
• Four grades of standard antibacterial products, some of which have been found to reduce bacteria by more than 99.99%
• New grades of high-performance antibacterials for spunbond nonwoven fabrics and thin layer applications (e.g., biaxially oriented or BOPP film)
• Antimicrobials that have been tested to have a bacteria and fungus survival rate of 0.8 to 0.1% in polyethylene film