"These new finishes are an important tool in preventing the growth of microbes in or on commercial and consumer products such as HVAC systems, food service equipment, refrigerators and humidifiers, for use in hospitals, commercial buildings and homes," says Dr. Ravi Bhatkal of AgION Technologies, Inc.
The new finishes have been developed by the manufacturers of powder coating, an advanced method of finishing a wide range of materials and products. In powder coating, often called dry painting, tiny dry particles of pigment and resin are given an electric charge, then sprayed on to a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. The electrostatic charge makes the powder particles stick to the surface. When heated in an oven, the powder is permanently fused into a uniform, durable, high-quality coating.
Long praised as a virtually pollution-free process that protects products from chips, scratches and stains, the new germ fighting powder coatings use silver as their key antimicrobial ingredient. Silvers protective benefits have been known since ancient times. And its especially useful today, when germs are becoming increasingly resistant to modern antibiotics.
"Research shows that the mechanisms by which silver ions act against microbes are different than those by which antibiotics act, explains Dr. Bhatkal of AgION Technologies. Silver also has multiple mechanisms of action. Use of silver as an antimicrobial is therefore unlikely to promo
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Contact: Kirk Monroe
kirk@kmcpr.com
202-331-0175
K-M Communications
9-May-2003