FAQs

• How does the AEGIS Microbe Shield® technology work?

• The active ingredient in the AEGIS Microbe Shield products forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer that molecularly bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the C-18 molecular sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn’t lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it.

• What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?

• Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents that can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface.

  Our antimicrobial silane modifies virtually any surface and transforms it into a material that will not support microbial growth.

• Are the AEGIS Microbe Shield products quaternary compounds?
• Yes and no. The AEGIS active ingredient is an organofunctional silane, but part of the molecule is a quaternary compound. Unlike traditional quats, which have a limited kill spectrum, the AEGIS technology provides long-term protection and controls a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, fungus, algae, and mold.
• What is the difference between the AEGIS Microbe Shield products and other antimicrobials?

• Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism or disrupting a vital life process. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating surfaces do an adequate job of killing bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited range of effectiveness. AEGIS technology takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, but, unlike the conventional methods, it also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces, often for the life of that surface. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobial active.

• Against what types of bacteria is the AEGIS Microbe Shield technology effective?

• The AEGIS Microbe Shield technology has a mode of action that involves a positive charge and is effective against all bacteria, plus fungus, algae, and mold. A representative list of microbes against which the AEGIS Microbe Shield technology has been tested may be obtained by contacting our corporate office.

• Will this technology adversely affect the skin or environment?

• No. Since the antimicrobial is permanently bound to the surfaces it protects, it does not leach from the fabric to the skin or into the environment. Extensive toxicological testing shows the antimicrobial does not cross the skin barrier. In fact, AEGIS is so safe that it is used on baby nappies to prevent nappy rash.

• What biocide is used?

• The AEGIS active ingredient is 3-trimethoxysilylpropyloctade-cyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

• Does the biocide use a heavy metal?

• No. The AEGIS Microbe Shield products do NOT contain any heavy metals. Tin, arsenic, silver, and copper are often used in other antimicrobials.

• Do the AEGIS products give off gases after application?

• No. They do not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. The chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that typically lasts for the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment; although it can be abraded away.

• How is the treatment applied?

• For Soft Furnishing
  The AEGIS products are applied in aqueous solution and can be inserted into almost any wet process during manufacturing at the mill. They can also be applied to finished goods. The antimicrobial is easily integrated into a moist jet, pad, and batch processes. The antimicrobial is cationic so it mixes well with other cationic and nonionic finishes (most softeners) and performs well in the same bath.

  For Hard surfaces
  AEGIS can be treated on any hard surfaces by either fogging, wipe down, soaking or paint rolling on the target substrate.

• How long does the treatment last?

• Since the cured antimicrobial is nonvolatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. The life of a treated surface depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If you treat a dirty or unstable surface, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, some of the antimicrobials will be removed with it. Abrasive or caustic (pH>10.5) cleaners will also shorten an effective life.

• Is there a test method to determine if the AEGIS polymer is present?

• Yes. The AEGIS Shield is based on an active ingredient that, in most cases, can be easily detected. A simple method of detection is available to demonstrate the presence or absence of the treatment. Bromophenol Blue (BPB) stain testing clearly shows the presence of the AEGIS Microbe Shield in a matter of minutes.

• What tests show that the growth of bacteria has been prevented?

• Microbiological testing is what establishes the baseline standard that is used to give the BPB analytical procedure its validity for use as a QA and QC tool. AEGIS has over 25 years of experience in performing extensive microbiological tests such as bacterial retrievals, fungal growth tests (AATCC 30, ASTM G-21) and bacterial growth tests (AATCC 100, ASTM 2149-01). We have a long history of bacterial and fungal testing on many products including shoe linings, leather, socks, carpet, and building products. Specific studies are available on our web site or you may contact a sales representative.

• Why are the AEGIS antimicrobial products so durable?

• Because of their exceptional chemical bond (a covalent bond), the bonded polymer is neither soluble nor volatile. The unique bond results in the AEGIS antimicrobial polymer becoming an integral part of the substrate.

• Will its use result in ‘super bacteria’?

• No. Adaptation studies show that microbes do not adapt to the AEGIS Microbe Shield and no ‘Zone of Inhibition’ develops.

• Does AEGIS Antimicrobial give off gases during or after application?

• No. AEGIS Antimicrobial does not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces. Its chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that essentially lasts the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment, although it can be abraded away.

• Is AEGIS Antimicrobial permeable to moisture?

• Yes, moisture that is in or on the treated material/surface passes through the treatment. After curing, the treatment is somewhat hydrophobic (water repellent), but it should not be considered to be a replacement for commercial water repellents.

• How long will the treatment last?

• Since the cured antimicrobial is non-volatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, in theory, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. In practice, the life of treatment depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If you treat a dirty or unstable surface, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial will decrease. Abrasive or caustic (pH > 10.5) cleaners will also shorten an effective life. In our experience, we have always guaranteed effectiveness for three years and have had no failures.

• Is there regrowth after treatment?

• AEGIS Antimicrobial, because of its unique chemistry, provides long-term protection against regrowth and future contamination on treated surfaces. Porous surfaces that are contaminated below the surface will occasionally experience some growth that breaks through a treated surface.

• What should the moisture content of walls be when preparing to apply the treatment?

• As long as there is no running water on the surface to be treated, AEGIS Antimicrobial will bond to the surface and provide protection. Preferably, the dryer the surface the better. To complete the chemical bonding of AEGIS Antimicrobial, it is important that the surfaces be dried after treatment.

• Will AEGIS Antimicrobial affect the cooling capacity of AC coils?

• Yes. AEGIS Antimicrobial should actually improve the overall cooling performance of AC coils by minimizing organic fouling of surfaces. AEGIS Antimicrobial helps minimize the microbial attack and attachment to fin and tube surfaces. An added benefit of AEGIS Antimicrobial is its ability to act as a permanently bonded soil release agent, making the coils much easier to clean. AEGIS Antimicrobial, at application strength, has surfactant properties that cause excess treatment to run off. This prevents excess polymer buildup and potential heat transfer efficiency losses.

• What preparation is necessary for treating AHU’s and coils?

• The surface of the coils must be thoroughly cleaned and any residue from the cleaning agents must be rinsed off. The final rinse should come through the coil without any signs of dirt or foaming from the cleaners. Even new AHU’s or coils should be carefully cleaned to remove any machining lubricants which remain from the fabrication process.

• What is the difference between AEGIS and other antimicrobials?

• Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating building surfaces do a great job getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi (although some have a limited spectrum of effectiveness). Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients. AEGIS Antimicrobial takes a totally different approach. Like conventional antimicrobials it provides an effective initial microbial kill when it is applied, BUT, unlike the others, AEGIS Antimicrobial also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces. AEGIS Antimicrobial permanently modifies a surface to make them antimicrobial.

• How does the chemical work?

• The active ingredient in AEGIS Antimicrobial forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged monomer that molecularly bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the quaternary amine “sword” punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge “shocks” the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn’t lose strength and the “sword” is ready for the next cell to contact it. In order for AEGIS Antimicrobial to continue its effectiveness, normal cleaning of treated surfaces is necessary. Dirt buildup, paint, dead microbes, etc. will cover the treatment prohibiting it from killing microorganisms.

• Do the applicators receive any special kind of training?

• Yes. AEGIS prides itself on providing a superior product to all those in need of controlling and prohibiting microbial growth on interior surfaces. Therefore, to ensure proper use of AEGIS Antimicrobial, each applicator receives four hours of classroom training and four to six hours of on-site training. In addition, they receive a training manual and ongoing access to our technical expertise.

• What preparation is necessary prior to apply the treatment?

• For best results, surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and any residue from cleaning agents must be rinsed from the surfaces to be treated. The final rinse should come off without any signs of dirt or foaming from the cleaners.

• What does the application process entail?

• In the simplest terms, a 2% solution (2.5 ounces to a gallon of water) is made and sprayed on the surface in an even and uniform pattern. How fast the solution is applied is based on how porous the surfaces are. The more porous a surface, the slower the application. Apply from the top down; starting with the ceiling and finishing with the floor. Furniture and other items should be moved to another room if possible. Anything which stays in the room and could be damaged by water should be covered. Use pads under any metal legs or slides to avoid rust stains. The opening of windows and the use of fans will be used to speed drying.

• Are there any safety concerns after application is complete?

• This product will not give off any gases, leach onto other surfaces, or lose its strength over time. The unique properties of AEGIS Antimicrobial allow permanent bonding of the product to any surface to which it is applied. As long as this the surface is kept clean with normal cleaning procedures, the surface will continue to fight any microbial growth.

• How does AEGIS Antimicrobial react with Oriental Rugs?

• True Oriental and Native American rugs frequently use water-based dyes and these dyes will bleed when exposed to the water-based application strength solution of the AEGIS Antimicrobial. Companies specializing in cleaning these types of fabrics have special methods for applying water-based treatments.

• How does AEGIS Antimicrobial react to carpet cleaning agents?

• Cleaning agents that remain in the carpet will act as binding sites for AEGIS Antimicrobial and the combined molecule will be removed at the next cleaning. A few residual cleaning agents can cause a gummy residue to form.

• How does AEGIS antimicrobial react to commercial and residential carpets?

• The newer solution-dyed carpets are excellent with AEGIS Antimicrobial. There have been some instances of slight color fade with certain acid dyes. ALL carpets and upholstery should be tested for dye fastness prior to treating.

• How should a contaminated surface be treated?

• Microbes can be extremely hazardous. Severe contamination with hazardous organisms may require cleaning protocols similar to those for asbestos removal. For normal contamination, solid surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned before treatment. Soft surfaces such as carpets and upholstery should be well vacuumed or professionally cleaned. Insulation can be cleaned and treated if only superficial growth on the surface is present. Insulation that has heavy growth or is damp should be removed and replaced.

• Should heating coils be treated with AEGIS Antimicrobial?

• No. Although AEGIS Antimicrobial would not be harmful when exposed to the heat, treatment is unnecessary. The hot, dry surfaces of coils generally won’t support microbial growth.

• Is there a test method to determine if AEGIS Antimicrobial is present?

• Yes. The AEGIS Microbe Shield Treatment is based on an active ingredient that in most cases can be easily detected. Two methods of detection are available to check for or demonstrate the presence or absence of the treatment.