Antimicrobial additives are active ingredients used to enhance the performance of materials by inhibiting the growth of microbes such as bacteria, algae, fungi, viruses, etc. These additives work at a cellular level by continuously disrupting cell membrane of DNA of microorganisms like bacteria’s, moulds, fungi and viruses. They create inhospitable environment for microorganisms thereby preventing and inhibiting their growth. Antimicrobial additives are incorporated into various materials such as plastics, textiles, polymers, paints and coating, ceramics, rubber, etc, during the manufacturing or processing process. These additives are classified as either organic or inorganic antimicrobial additives. Inorganic antimicrobial additives are nano metal ion additives, these compounds are mainly based on silver (Ag), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) or a combination of these inorganic nanomaterials due to their inherent antimicrobial capabilities.

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BIOSILICO’s antimicrobial silica is laced with inorganic antimicrobial compounds which can offer customizable antimicrobial properties for a wide range of applications. Our propriety processes encapsulate, anchor and infuse silver, copper, and/ or zinc-based inorganic antimicrobial metal ions onto our rice-husk-based silica particles which act as chemically inert nano containers and ensure the long-lasting, effective release of these antimicrobial additives.

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Silica, once treated with inorganic antimicrobial compounds, is a versatile and stable supporting material that allows for multifarious antimicrobial activities. Silver exhibits long-lasting effective antimicrobial tendencies and is used in a wide range of applications including healthcare. Copper has established its use in paints and coating due to its ability to destroy the genomic and plasmid DNA of microorganisms. Zinc exhibits both antibacterial and antifungal properties and is mainly used in applications where moisture and heat are prevalent.

BIOSILICO’s Antimicrobial Silica can protect materials from the detrimental effects of microbial growth such as stains, odours, and premature deterioration. It can be easily incorporated into manufacturing processes and result in products that are safer, healthier, durable, and long-lasting. These additives provide benefits for several environments such as hygiene critical, high traffic environments like healthcare facilities, schools, offices, food processing plants.

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For further information, please refer to our Antimicrobial Silica Application guide. TDS and MSDS are also available upon request.