Antimicrobial Meaning & Definition
The definition of “Antimicrobial Technology” is used to describe the collective knowledge, expertise and methods of using additives to create products that are permanently protected against microbes. BioCote® technology can be manufactured into a wide range of materials, including plastics, polymers, paints, coatings, textiles, and ceramics. Take a look at our treatable materials page to find out more.
Antimicrobial Meaning: A Closer Look
What types of antimicrobials are there?
Many substances can be described as antimicrobial; such as disinfectants, antibiotics and of course antimicrobial additives.
What’s the difference between antimicrobial and antibacterial?
Antimicrobial Technology is effective against a wide spectrum of microbes: this includes bacteria, mould, fungi and even viruses. Antibacterial Technology, on the other hand, is only effective against bacteria.
BioCote® Antimicrobial Technology can be manufactured into a wide range of materials, including plastics, polymers, paints, coatings, textiles, ceramics and paper. Take a look at our treatable materials page to find out more.
Are All Antimicrobial Products The Same?
There are many different kinds of antimicrobials, each with a specific function. Some examples of ‘an antimicrobial’ include antibiotics that you take while you’re ill or an antibacterial soap you wash your hands with. Whilst these antimicrobials may perform a similar function, they are all very different to the technologies BioCote® supply. If you were to add a penicillin to plastics when moulding a water bottle, it is unlikely to deliver any kind of hygienic protection.
BioCote® additives are formulated to be introduced to materials, such as plastic or coatings, during the manufacture to give that material ‘built-in’ antimicrobial properties. The protection is permanent and will certainly last the expected functional lifetime of the product – it may even extend it.
Reduce
microbes by up to 99.99%
BioCote® works continuously without an off switch to reduce the amount of microbes on a treated product
Improve
product hygiene
BioCote® works hand in hand with thorough cleaning practices to make a product more hygienic and easier to keep clean
Minimise
cross contamination
BioCote® minimises the potential of microbial cross-contamination from one surface to another
Minimise
staining & bad odours
BioCote® inhibits the growth of microbes on products that can cause foul smells and staining
Increase
product lifetime
BioCote® can extend a product’s functional lifetime by lowering the amount of microbes that might lead to material degradation
