Emma Scowen, industrial product manager at MacDermid Autotype, looks at how UK industry is responding to the growing issue of bacterial contamination by developing innovative antimicrobial products
Every year infections caused by bacteria cost the UK economy more than £1.4billion through sickness and time off work.
Extensive media attention and the growing instances of infections, such as MRSA, mean the issues of hygiene and contamination are becoming a growing concern in many sectors of industry.
In environments such as hospitals, convalescent homes, supermarkets, prisons and schools, cleanliness and hygiene are becoming increasingly critical.
Everyday objects and surfaces can harbour and spread harmful bacteria.
Research has proven that hand contact with contaminated surfaces can rapidly transfer bacteria to other surfaces and be passed from individual to individual.
Until recently, except for general hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and cleaning, there has been no means of protecting some highly susceptible objects such as instrument control panels or worktops from microbes.
To address the issues surrounding contamination, industry as a whole is increasingly developing new products that can help in combating the spread of bacteria and infections.
This is beginning to include anything from antimicrobial shelving, doors and industrial flooring for the food services sector, to antimicrobial door handles and handrails for clean room environments.
One of the latest developments has come about from a partnership between two leading international organisations - MacDermid Autotype and Microban International.
MacDermid Autotype manufactures high-performance films that are used to produce membrane switches and electronic instrumentation; Microban on the other hand is a global company dedicated to enhancing high-quality products with built-in protection from microbes.
The product resulting from this co-operation is called Autotex AM with Microban antimicrobial protection: a unique, hard coated polyester film substrate with built-in Microban antimicrobial technology.
The film substrate has been developed and designed for any surface application, such as membrane keyboards, fascia panels, wall coverings, shelf and bench tops, where durability and antimicrobial protection is necessary.
Because of its inherent structure, Autotex AM offers a tough, high-quality and durable textured surface.
An ink adhesion primer is also added on the reverse side of the film, making it receptive to a wide range of graphic inks.
This feature gives the film very high versatility as it can be used to produce instrument panels or highly attractive graphics.
Microban technology continuously fights the growth of harmful bacteria on the film's surface, inhibiting cross contamination, while keeping it cleaner and fresher between general cleanings.
The antimicrobial protection of Microban works, on bacteria as well as other micro-organisms that come into contact with the surface of the film, by several modes of action that disrupt key cell functions, preventing microbes from functioning, growing or reproducing.
Autotex AM with Microban antimicrobial protection has been developed to offer major benefits to OEMs and end-users alike.
The film substrate boasts a long flex life, is embossable and provides a consistent low gloss, textured surface which is also attractive in its appearance.
In addition, it is scratch and chemical resistant, and can withstand the rigours of everyday use and general cleaning methods.
The revolutionary Microban antimicrobial technology is built into the Autotex textured hard coat during manufacturing.
This ensures an even distribution of the antimicrobial agent throughout the texture and film surface.
Extensive tests carried out on Autotex AM by a leading international laboratory proved the film substrate kills a wide range of bacteria, fungi and moulds including methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), salmonella enteritidis, escherichia coli and listeria monocytogenes.
Although it does not eliminate the need for general cleanliness and hygiene, Autotex AM with Microban is a significant development for hygiene critical applications as it provides an overwhelming reassurance for constant protection against bacterial contamination.
For the first time, there is an antimicrobial protected, hard-coated film substrate that is proven to kill various bacteria which, if not controlled, could easily spread to other surfaces and individuals, potentially causing infections.
In an ideal world, all surfaces would inhibit bacterial growth significantly, thus minimising the risk of cross contamination and preventing the spread of disease.
Not so long ago this concept would have been viewed as an unobtainable dream.
Yet now, with the development of products such as Autotex AM, this 'ideal world' is rapidly becoming reality.
Implementing such products can substantially diminish cross contamination risks, reducing the number of instances of potentially harmful infections caused by bacteria.
