Breakthrough in antimicrobial coatings
19 June 2008
4MED is an innovative hygiene coating developed by Stratford upon
Avon-based Nano Hygiene Coatings Limited. The coating combines the
benefits of the easy-to-clean properties derived from nano chemical
technology with an antimicrobial additive, actively preventing the
growth of bacteria such as E Coli and MRSA.
4MED is a transparent coating with hydrophobic and oleophobic
properties making the surface non-stick and stain resistant.
Fingerprints are less visible and easily removed. Effectively, the
surface is easy to clean; dust, dirt and stains can be wiped away.
The durable coating has high corrosion, abrasion and scratch
resistance and is only 5-12 microns thick. The ultra thin, glossy
coating is low maintenance and friendly to the environment; aggressive
cleaning chemicals are not required.
Allen Chasteauneuf, managing director of Nano Hygiene Coatings,
explains, “4MED is the result of an intensive development and testing
program. The coating has proven to be effective on a variety of metal
and ceramic substrates.” It has been tested using realistic exposure
scenarios by an independent laboratory using a series of innovative
approaches based upon the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS Z 2801: 2000.
Using a suspension of E Coli in water, simulating a splash of
contaminated water, the sample was tested at various time intervals to
determine how fast the coating destroyed the bacteria. The test was
repeated after artificially ageing the test samples by 120 dishwash
cycles. Under such real-life test conditions 4MED has demonstrated
excellent performance with kill rates of 99.9% in three hours and a
reduction to below the limit of detection in six hours.
Tests have also been conducted to simulate a splash by a contaminated
heavy soil / body fluid. The sample used in this test was a mixture of
vegetable oil and bovine albumin serum contaminated with E Coli. A
reduction in the growth of the bacterial population of 99.5% was
achieved within 24 hours.
4MED inhibits the growth of biofilm, moulds and fungus and is
effective on a range of micro-organisms, including those that cause,
odours, stains and discolouration.
“Under such real life test conditions 4MED has demonstrated excellent
performance. Effective cleaning is critical for a good hygiene strategy
and 4MED has an important role to play by making the cleaning job easier
and safer, promoting a cleaner environment.”