FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
What surfaces can PreventX 24/7 be applied?
PreventX 24/7 can be used as a final bacteriostatic finish on multiple surfaces such as door knobs and handles, gloves, cabinetry, and surfaces subject to odor producing bacteria, mold, mildew, and algae; showers, counter tops, fixtures, grout/tile, carpets, equipment, walls, etc.
How does the PreventX 24/7 technology work?
The active ingredient in PreventX 24/7 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.
What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?
What is the difference between PreventX 24/7 and other antimicrobials?
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 PreventX 24/7 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.
Against what types of bacteria is PreventX 24/7 technology effective?
The PreventX 24/7 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 and viruses against which the PreventX 24/7 technology has been tested may be obtained by contacting our corporate office.
Does the biocide use a heavy metal?
No. PreventX 24/7 does NOT contain any heavy metals. Tin, arsenic, silver and copper are often used in other antimicrobials.
How long does the treatment last?
In most cases, a minimum of 30 days. 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.
Why is PreventX 24/7 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 PreventX 24/7 polymer becoming an integral part of the substrate
Is PreventX 24/7 permeable to moisture?
Yes, moisture that is in or on the treated material/surface passes through the treatment. After curing, the treatment is somewhat hydrophobic (water repellent), but it should not be considered to be a replacement for commercial water repellents.
Will its use result in "super bacteria"?
No. Adaptation studies show that microbes do not adapt to PreventX 24/7 and no ‘Zone of Inhibition’ develops.