We are frequently asked for examples of antimicrobials, both as they occur in nature and as we harness their capabilities into technology that can be applied to consumer and commercial products. Let’s take a closer look at a few examples of antimicrobials, how they work, and how we apply them.
Common Examples of Antimicrobials and How Microban® Utilizes Them
While this is not an exhaustive list, and there are other natural substances that have antimicrobial properties, these are examples of antimicrobials that occur naturally that we use in our technology portfolio:
- Silver ion antimicrobials
- Zinc antimicrobials
- Organics
Silver Ion Antimicrobials
Silver has been used as an antimicrobial agent since Hippocrates first described silver’s antimicrobial properties in 400 B.C. However, it wasn’t until 1972 that scientists understood how silver works. Small amounts of silver disrupt bacteria’s metabolism by preventing them from converting nutrients into energy, which inhibits bacteria survival, reproduction and colonization.
Microban silver technology, SilverShield®, harnesses the antimicrobial properties of silver to enhance polymers, ceramics, textiles and a range of other materials. The unique geometry and highly efficient release mechanism of SilverShield means it is high performing whilst maintaining material durability and integrity. Read more about how SilverShield is implemented into Microban partner products.
Zinc Pyrithione Antimicrobials
Unlike other examples of antimicrobials such as silver and copper, ZPTech® is a wide-spectrum antimicrobial based on zinc pyrithione, effective against not just bacteria but also the growth of fungi including mold, mildew and algae.
Zinc pyrithione was first developed in the 1930s for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, and it is still commonly used today as a main ingredient in anti-dandruff shampoos and as an over-the-counter treatment for seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, athletes’ foot, ringworm and other medical conditions. Zinc pyrithione is also used in paints, textiles and polymer products to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi on susceptible surfaces.
Microban ZPTech technology is a very durable example of an antimicrobial. Durability testing shows that polymers soaked for 2000 hours at 70°C in a detergent bath containing 3000 ppm ZPTech remained 99.99% effective in preventing the growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae, a gram-negative bacteria associated with hospital-acquired infections.
ZPTech is FDA-approved as a treatment for dandruff and other fungal infections at high levels, and at low levels (below 1000 ppm) it is registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe to use in a variety of applications, including those that come in contact with food. Read more about how ZPTech is implemented into Microban partner products.
Discover the Microban Antimicrobial Technology Portfolio
Remember, not every company utilizes the same antimicrobials in the same way. The recent appeal of EPA approval from a nanosilver antimicrobial shows that not all examples of antimicrobials are applied in the same safe way that Microban applies our antimicrobial technology. We set the gold standard for antimicrobial performance and continually innovate to raise the bar, ensuring the latest technology without sacrificing on safety. Contact us today to learn more about how you can implement these examples of antimicrobials into your products.
