FAQ's

1. How does the ÆGIS Microbe Shield® technology work?

The active ingredient in the ÆGIS Microbe Shield products forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer that molecularly bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the C-18 molecular sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn’t lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it.

2. What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?

Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents that can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface.

Our antimicrobial silane modifies virtually any surface and transforms it into a material that will not support microbial growth.

3. Are the ÆGIS Microbe Shield products quaternary compounds?

Yes and no. The ÆGIS active ingredient is an organofunctional silane, but part of the molecule is a quaternary compound. Unlike traditional quats, which have a limited kill spectrum, the ÆGIS technology provides long-term protection and controls a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, fungus, algae, and mold.

4. What is the difference between the ÆGIS Microbe Shield products and other antimicrobials on the market?

Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism or disrupting a vital life process. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating surfaces do an adequate job of killing bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited range of effectiveness. The ÆGIS technology takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, but, unlike the conventional methods, it also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces, often for the life of that surface. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobially active.

5. Against what types of bacteria is the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology effective?

The ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology has a mode of action that involves a positive charge and is effective against all bacteria, plus fungus, algae, and mold. A representative list of microbes against which the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology has been tested may be obtained by contacting our corporate office.

6. Will the ÆGIS Microbe Shield be effective after laundering?

Yes. For example, testing has proven that the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology still provides 94% reduction of standard test organisms on polypropylene 150 den/68 fil through more than 40 launderings at 60° C (hot water). Details may be obtained by contacting your sales representative.

7. Is maintaining pure white colour during treatment a problem?

No. Although yellowing can occur anytime changes are made in a finish process, The ÆGIS Microbe Shield does not create yellowing problems when applied properly. In fact, ÆGIS is specified by retailers like Dillard’s and JCPenney that have exacting whiteness standards.

8. What is the cost of this treatment?

The cost to treat one pair of cotton athletic socks with the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology in the United States is under 3¢. The cost of the treatment per pair of shoes should be well under 10¢ per pair. We have charts available as a cost comparison based on the percentage of add rate to how much it costs per pound.

9. Will this technology adversely affect the skin or environment?

No. Since the antimicrobial is permanently bound to the surfaces it protects, it does not leach from the fabric to the skin or into the environment. Extensive toxicological testing shows the antimicrobial does not cross the skin barrier.

10. What biocide is used?

The ÆGIS active ingredient is 3-trimethoxysilylpropyloctade-cyldimethyl ammonium chloride. The application level can vary by substrate, but generally the level is approximately 0.25% of the antimicrobial’s active ingredient onto the weight of the substrate. As an example, one kg of active ingredient will treat 400kg of shoe liners. The most commonly used product is a 42% active material.

11. Does the biocide use a heavy metal?

No. The ÆGIS Microbe Shield products do NOT contain any heavy metals. Tin, arsenic, silver and copper are often used in other antimicrobials.

12. Do the ÆGIS products give off gases after application?

No. They do not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. The chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that typically lasts for the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment; although it can be abraded away.

13. How is the treatment applied?

The ÆGIS products are applied in aqueous solution and can be inserted into almost any wet process during manufacturing at the mill. They can also be applied to finished goods. The antimicrobial is easily integrated into most jet, pad, and batch processes. The antimicrobial is cationic so it mixes well with other cationic and nonionic finishes (most softeners) and performs well in the same bath.

14. How long does the treatment last?

Since the cured antimicrobial is nonvolatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. The life of a treated surface depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If you treat a dirty or unstable surface, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, some of the antimicrobial will be removed with it. Abrasive or caustic (pH>10.5) cleaners will also shorten effective life.

15. Is there a test method to determine if the ÆGIS polymer is present?

Yes. The ÆGIS Shield is based on an active ingredient that, in most cases, can be easily detected. A simple method of detection is available to demonstrate the presence or absence of the treatment. Bromophenol Blue (BPB) stain testing clearly shows the presence of the ÆGIS Microbe Shield in a matter of minutes.

16. What tests show that the growth of bacteria has been prevented?

Microbiological testing is what establishes the baseline standard that is used to give the BPB analytical procedure its validity for use as a QA and QC tool. ÆGIS has over 25 years experience in performing extensive microbiological tests such as bacterial retrievals, fungal growth tests (AATCC 30, ASTM G-21) and bacterial growth tests (AATCC 100, ASTM 2149-01). We have a long history of bacterial and fungal testing on many products including shoe linings, leather, socks, carpet and building products. Specific studies are available on our web site or you may contact a sales representative.

17. How long does it take for microbiological testing?

Laboratory testing methods require incubation periods that can take weeks or months to reach conclusive results. With the BPB stain test method, all that is required is water, a sink and a few minutes to verify the presence and correct treatment levels of the ÆGIS antimicrobial.

18. What independent laboratories can do tests?

NAMSA is a laboratory in Georgia that performs textile tests for varying antimicrobials. NAMSA is used by most U.S. textile manufacturers for their antimicrobial analysis needs. There are other laboratories in the United States, Asia, and Europe that can also be used.

19. How much do these tests cost?

The cost can range between $125 and $150 per test. ÆGIS does not charge for developmental testing.

20. What other tests will ÆGIS perform?

The ÆGIS Environments laboratories will conduct odourpanel studies and Quality Assurance testing.

21. Why are the ÆGIS antimicrobial products so durable?

Because of their exceptional chemical bond (a covalent bond) the bonded polymer is neither soluble nor volatile. The unique bond results in the ÆGIS antimicrobial polymer becoming an integral part of the substrate.

22. Will its use result in 'super bacteria'?

No. Adaptation studies show that microbes do not adapt to the ÆGIS Microbe Shield and no 'Zone of Inhibition' develops.

23. What kinds of products use the ÆGIS Microbe Shield technology?

The ÆGIS Microbe Shield protects a large number and variety of products from odor, deterioration and contamination.
From socks to diapers and ceiling tiles to sporting goods, the ÆGIS Microbe Shield protects some of the world’s most
trusted products.