The fight against MRSA

There is a 30% year on year increase in deaths from Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) in the NHS. BioMaster antimicrobial additives utilise a novel Silver based component and are helping combat MRSA in hospitals and nursing homes.

We have also successfully tested the product against 50 common organisms including Salmonella, E.coli, Listeria, Campilobacter, Pseudomonas, A.Niger (black spot mould growth), and Algae.

The leading antimicrobial additive for plastics and other substrates

Typical applications • Medical • Films • Textile fibres • Sheets • Filtration systems • Powder coatings • Paper • Dip mouldings

Benefits of BioMaster Technology

Performance and safety

Begg & Co have developed a unique range of high performance antimicrobial masterbatches with outstanding benefits:

• FDA and BgVV approved • Registered under EU Biocide Directive • Low human and environmental toxicity • Highly active - released on demand • Cost effective dosage rates • Effective against bacteria, fungi and algae • Excellent anti-wash characteristics • Heat stable

Unique properties

• No associated side effects
• Extended product life
• Marketing opportunities

Test Results

MRSA Antimicrobial Results in PVC

Antimicrobial performance in PET, Nylon and PP Fibres

Action of Silver

Silver ions interact with a wide range of molecular processes within Micro organisms resulting in a range of effects from inhibition of growth and loss of infectivity, to cell death, thereby accounting for the high efficacy of BioMaster Masterbatches as an antimicrobial agent

(1) Silver ions may bind nonspecifically to cell surfaces, causing some disruption to the cellular membrane function and allowing the silver ions to penetrate the microbe structure.

(2) Silver ions are highly reactive and readily bind to electron donor groups, with prime targets being the thiol groups (SH) which are commonly found in enzymes within the microbe. This causes the enzymes to be denatured thus effectively incapacitating the energy source of the cell. As a result the cell cannot maintain osmotic pressure, vital substances leak out of the cell and the microbe will quickly die.

(3) Silver ions react with the base pairs of DNA thus preventing DNA replication.

There is evidence dating back to the 1920’s showing that silver ions possess antiviral properties. If you would like to discuss the antiviral claims that can be made using BioMaster Masterbatch products please contact our technical team.

BioMaster Masterbatches Addition Rates

1% for Anti Microbial applications
2% for Anti Fungal / Algae applications