Hygienic coatings prevent the spread of bacteria safely

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria and hospital acquired infections (HAI) are examples of global problems where good hand hygiene is not always enough. One way to prevent the spread of bacteria is to coat the surfaces touched by people, such as door handles, chairs, and light switches with hygienic coatings, which prevent the spread of microbes. At the same time, however, the technologies used for this purpose must be safe. Teknos participated in an indpendent study to investigate the antimicrobial efficacy and safety of silver-treated laminate and powder coatings surfaces. The study results confirm that hygienic coatings are both safe and effective.

In the independent study led by Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan in Sweden, the aim was to research whether the antimicrobial efficacy of silver-treated laminate and powder coatings surfaces was reduced upon simulated surface weathering and fingerprint contact. Also, the study aim was to find out if silver content was present on the top surface, and if it was possible to measure the amount of silver released. Silver phosphate actively prevents bacterial growth and prevents bacterial division. Teknos uses the effective and safe BioCote® technology in its hygienic coatings, which is based on silver phosphate. Teknos participated in the research by supplying example pieces to be tested.  The pieces were coated with Teknos hygienic powder coatings.

No deteactable amount of silver on surfaces

The study found that no detectable amounts of silver appeared on the surfaces, and that silver was released into artificial sweat (stimulated fingerprint) in concentrations a thousand times lower than regulatory threshold values stipulated for materials and polymers in food contact. The reduction of bacteria from the surfaces was excellent after already 20 minutes of exposure.

In the study, the surfaces were exposed to two different types of bacteria (Gram-positive) and (Gram-negative negative). The bacterial strains studied were Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtili. During the testing period, the surfaces were exposed to as much natural wear/touching as possible.

The research result confirms the independent research results based on the ISO 22196 standard that hygienic coatings are both safe and effective. In previous studies, hygienic coatings have also been found to reduce sick absences.

The study also investigated the effect of oxidizing chemical detergent on laminate surfaces, which utilized the same active ingredient. The use of detergent was not noticed to affect the properties of the product, but the antimicrobial properties of the surface remained unchanged, or even improved with the use of detergent.

Hygienic coatings are useful in public spaces

Hygienic coatings can be used, for example, in public spaces or vehicles such as hospitals, airports or trains, i.e., in places where there is a lot of movement and infections spread easily. Teknos develops hygienic solutions together with other operators by being part of the Finnish HygTech Alliance network. The aim is to provide holistic product packages for public spaces.

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