AEGIS Chemistry
The ÆGIS Microbe Shield Technology utilizes a unique chemistry. As depicted in the graphic above, microorganisms carry a negative charge while ÆGIS carries a postive charge. This creates an "electromagnetic" attraction between the microbe and ÆGIS draws the microbe to the treated surface. Once contact is made, the microbe is stabbed by the ÆGIS molecule, is "electrocuted" and dies instantly.
The major differences between ÆGIS and other conventional antimicrobials is that the ÆGIS Microbe Shield Technology:
- IS NOT absorbed or consumed by the microbe, which in turn allows for the treatment to remain at full-strength for essentially the life of the surface/product.
- Is a bound antimicrobial which means that it molecularly bonds to a surface. This bond does not allow any leaching of treatment onto other surfaces and does not allow for the development of adaptative organisms.
- WILL NOT volatilize (off-gas).
- Is EPA registered for all interior surface with FDA listing.
- Has a 30-year history of durability, effectiveness, and safety.
The ÆGIS Microbe Shield Program is based on technology developed by Dow Corning Corporation in close cooperation with Baxter HealthCare, Burlington Industries and a number of major textile, medical products, carpeting, and carpet fiber companies in the United States, Europe, Australia, Japan and Korea. The results of their collective work show a remarkable product which, when properly reacted onto surfaces, makes these surfaces resistant to fungal, bacterial, and algal growth. EPA registrations and FDA listings allow us and our customers a wide range of end uses that take advantage of the safety profile, durability and broad spectrum activity.
The following list has been prepared in response to numerous requests for a “list” of the microorganisms against which the technology is effective. The organisms shown are ones against which the technology has been specifically tested. ÆGIS™ Antibacterial and AEM 5700 Antimicrobial are considered to be “broad spectrum” antimicrobials. That means that they are effective against a very wide range of microorganisms (fungi, gram(+) and gram(-) bacteria, yeasts, and algae). The microorganisms listed should be viewed as representative of the types of organisms against which the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology is effective, rather than as a comprehensive list.
BACTERIA:
Micrococcus sp. |
Micrococcus sp. |
FUNGI:
Aspergillus niger |
Mucor sp. |
ALGAE:
Oscillatoria borneti LB143 |
Schenedesmus quadricauda |
YEAST:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae |
Candida albicans |
1. Clinical isolates
Interpretive Note: Although the list of microorganisms against which a biocide has been shown to be effective is important for determining whether or not the material can be used against specific types of organisms, it is only the starting point. Killing or controlling microorganisms (particularly in laboratory test of the active ingredient) is relatively easy. Doing it safely, doing it in real world situations, doing it without ruining the target surface, and selecting between a quick kill and long term protection are generally much more important.
There are many materials and processes which can kill microorganisms quickly and effectively. Common household bleach (chlorine) is an excellent biocide. Unfortunately, bleach cannot be use on many surfaces, has no lasting antimicrobial effect, and can be very dangerous if used improperly. Extreme heat is also highly effective, buy you can’t put a sick building in an autoclave. Other materials are efficient at high concentrations, but have little effect at dilution levels which would be required to insure human safety. Finally, some materials are so inherently dangerous that they can only be used in isolation chambers or by professional applicators using respirators an “space suits”. The “killing power” of a biocide or device is important, buy only if the material is used in strict accordance with EPA accepted handling and use instructions and for the end uses included in the EPA accepted labeling. Misuse of any biocide is not only illegal, it can be extremely dangerous.
Any reputable supplier should be willing to provide copies of the EPA accepted labeling, copies of toxicity data and data on real world efficacy.