MICROFIGHT
Anti Microbial Additives
NICHEM’s Anti microbial additives are the active ingredient that stops the growth of microorganisms. They essentially protect the polymer surface and create a sterile setting.
MicroFight is an antimicrobial additive. It a mixture of bacteriostatic and bactericidal compounds. Primary use of MicroFight is to prevent the formation or growth of microbes like Algae, Bacteria, Virus and Fungus on the surface of polymer.
Bacteria & Fungi feed on plastics & polymers. They can cause break down of the product over a period of time. In addition to degradation, they also cause staining & unwanted odor to plastic products. Adding the anti microbials additives in polymer helps to preserve the integrity of the product & extend its life expectancy.
MicroFight is available in multiple grades namely MF 002, MF 003, MF 006, MF 012 & MF 014.
MicroFight can be used to manufacture everyday plastic products such as water tanks, food packaging materials, bottles/films/containers, shower curtains, home appliances, Kitchen appliances, Bathroom appliances, toys etc.
MicroFight is compatible with all Polyolefins (PP, LLDPE, LDPE, HDPE), EVA and PVC. Recommended Dosage is of about 2000-4000 ppm in the end product and depending upon the application and end life.
MicroFight is Environment friendly, REACH-Compliant, free of heavy metals & carcinogens.
NICHEM, also has US EPA compliant grade ‘MicroFight 014’.
How does MicroFight work?
- Cell Metabolic Disruption- MicroFight 003 grade follows this mechanism. In this mechanism, Anti-microbial active exert their Anti-microbial effects by interacting with non-specific components in the cell membrane of microbes. The cell membrane also referred to as the plasma membrane, surrounds the cell. The active target the cell membrane to disrupt its integrity and function, which leads to the death or inhibition of microbial growth.
- Microbial cell Disruption- MicroFight 002 & MicroFight 006 grades follow this mechanism. In this mechanism, Silver ions adhere to cell wall & cytoplasmic membrane of microbial cell & disrupts the cell envelope. It further penetrates the nucleus & destroys the DNA thereby preventing cell multiplication. The adhered ions enhance the permeability of cytoplasmic membrane & lead to disruption of the bacterial envelope. The respiratory enzymes are deactivated. Thus, the overall cell metabolism is affected, causing the microbial cell’s termination.
- Redox Potential action- MicroFight 012 grade follows this mechanism. In this mechanism, Silver ions are activated due to a photocatalyst. Hydroxyl free radicals are generated by this reaction. These hydroxyl free radicals physically decompose organic matter like bacteria, fungus, virus, etc., by redox potential action. They simply burst the microbe cells leading to their destruction.
- RNA Degradation and Membrane Disruption- MicroFight 017 grade follows this mechanism. Copper has an intrinsic Anti-microbial effect on bacteria, viruses and fungi. The primary causes of death for each microorganism is presented in Figure. The main mechanism of bactericidal activity is the generation of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) resulting in membrane damage. The principal mechanism of activity of copper surface against viruses was ion release leading to RNA degradation and membrane disruption in the case of enveloped viruses. For fungi, the uptake of copper ions and the physical deterioration of the membrane leading to copper influx are considered to be the primary mechanisms.
Unique features
- Effectively restricts growth of Algae, Bacteria, Virus and Fungus on surface
- Effective mainly against gram negative (pathogenic) microbes
- Offers good Residual Protection
- Does not affect polymer properties
- Non-toxic, Eco-friendly, Free of heavy metals
