Heraeus Precious Metals is working together with renowned institutes on water treatment: the use of AGXX antimicrobial technology from Heraeus Precious Metals was tested successfully in filter applications as part of several innovation projects.
Microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, algae, and viruses are omnipresent in daily life and pose a serious threat to human health. Especially in aqueous media, pathogens can spread rapidly and become a danger to humans and the environment as biofilms on surfaces. To ensure a high-quality water supply, water filtration, such as in drinking water supply, wastewater treatment or household filter applications, therefore plays a crucial role.
Experts at Heraeus Precious Metals have used AGXX antimicrobial technology to optimize filtration efficiency and thus water quality without the use of chemicals. The technology prevents the formation of biofilms on the surface and the spread of dangerous microorganisms. It also protects the filter itself from corrosion. "Water filters are susceptible to contamination by microorganisms and biofouling. This not only endangers consumer health, but also shortens product lifetime," explains Martin Danz, Co-Head AGXX at Heraeus Precious Metals.
AGXX technology can be successfully impregnated onto various types of activated carbon granules and pellets, which can be easily used in activated carbon-based water filters. In various ASTM and laboratory water filtration tests, the activated carbon granules showed excellent antimicrobial efficacy. Samples of AGXX-modified activated carbons are currently being tested in wastewater treatment and for cleaning systems in swimming pools. Both the potential of AGXX to kill germs in water filtration and the influence of the AGXX coating on the filter properties of the activated carbon are being tested.
"Especially with the spread of multi-resistant germs and the dwindling supply of effective antibiotics and approved biocides, it is more important than ever to protect filters from bacterial growth and improve water quality through innovative antimicrobial technologies," emphasizes Dr. Marie-Lena Harwardt, Co-Head AGXX at Heraeus Precious Metals.
AGXX - An antimicrobial technology from the free radical class of active ingredients
AGXX, the antimicrobial technology from Heraeus Precious Metals, protects surfaces and textiles against germs and shows a long-lasting effect against bacteria, viruses, biofilm formation as well as resistant germs. The technology is based on redox reactions and microelectric field effects caused by the electrochemical interaction between two precious metals. In the presence of atmospheric humidity, oxygen is converted into reactive oxygen species that react with and kill microorganisms. In addition, the microelectric field present interferes with important cell membrane functions and accelerates the killing of microorganisms. Unlike conventional technologies, AGXX's mechanism of action is based on a catalytic reaction rather than the release of substances such as metal ions.
To date, antimicrobial activity has been demonstrated against more than 130 microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi. AGXX has also been successfully used against silver-resistant E. coli strains, the multi-resistant germ methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) or CoV2 viruses, which can be attributed to its catalytic mechanism of action and the generation of oxygen free radicals. The application of AGXX also prevents biofilm formation, which has already been successfully demonstrated in use against Legionella.
AGXX is applicable on a particle basis in various materials. As a particle in powder form, it is particularly well suited for use in textile or polymer filters. In addition, AGXX can also be successfully impregnated onto various types of activated carbon granules and pellets, which can be easily used in activated carbon-based water filters. In this way, AGXX effectively helps to prevent the spread of pathogens in an effective and long-lasting manner, as well as to significantly extend product lifetimes. AGXX can also be used effectively in other applications: in addition to filters, the wide range of applications for AGXX also includes textiles, plastics, facade and antifouling paints, air-conditioning technology, protective masks, medical products or sanitary equipment.
