We all know the importance of proper hand-washing in reducing harmful germ transmission. SPEL is committed to finding new approaches for an environmentally friendly solution to combat and reduce hazardous microbial growth. We have spent a significant amount of time researching to further improvised our formulation with organic-based ingredients for ultimate toxin-free care for our customers. SPEL aimed to protects every occupant of indoor and outdoor space from any germs that can you.
Cleaning hands at crucial times with soap and water or hand sanitizer is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to those around you. However, there are times when there is no access to soap and water or not enough time to wash thoroughly. Can a hand sanitizer serve as a suitable alternative to hand washing? Will using a hand sanitizer decrease your chance of getting sick? There are significant differences between different types of sanitising materials, for example, commonly used alcohol-based sanitizers do not kill ALL types of germs, such as a stomach bug called norovirus, some microscopic size parasites and Clostridium difficile, which causes severe diarrhoea in human. In-addition prolongs usage of alcohol-based hand sanitizers can wash away your skin's natural oils, which can lead to dry skin and cracking, which further increases the risk of infection.
SPEL-MIC an ISO13485 and CE registered formulation with antiseptic and disinfectant cleaning solution can be applied to any surface. It can be used to protect your skin, bathroom, kitchen, basements, mobile phones, headphones, carpet, hard surfaces, fabric, leather… and the list goes on. Use SPEL-MIC nanoshield today as your protector and guardian!
How does the SPEL-MIC formulation work?
SPEL-MIC SP-24 and SP-30 consist of 2 steps formulation chemistries wherein step 1 cleaning; it contains a natural-based compound known as ‘Tween-80’ (polysorbate-80) a commonly used protein-grade detergent as a surfactant in soaps and cosmetics. It is a nontoxic, non-ionic surfactant/emulsifier act a dispersing agent which allows oil and water to mix without the use of alcohol for cleaning away pollutants from any surfaces. In step 2 disinfecting, it employed a long-lasting antimicrobial protector. The active ingredient in the SPEL-MIC SP-24 and SP-30 consists of quaternary ammonium compounds known as ‘organosilane’ a colourless, odourless, positively charged polymer, which permanently bonds to the treated surface (Figure 1). You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the quaternary amine sword punctures the cell membrane, and the electrical charge shocks the cell1. 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 it1. Regular cleaning of treated surfaces is necessary to prevent the build-up of dirt, dead microbes, etc. which could cover the treatment, prohibiting it from killing microorganisms.
Figure 1 – Chemical structure of organosilanes compound1.
What is the purpose of the organosilanes?
Organosilanes containing quaternary ammonium halides and hydrolysable alkoxy groups bonded to silicon to form bonds to substrates that contain hydroxy, alkoxy, oxide and similar reactive moieties (Figure 1)1. In SPEL-MIC formulation, the silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents, which can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface (Figure 1). In other words, it is the “glue” that holds the “spike” to the surface. The formulation consists of a two-steps process utilising both a biocide (quaternary compound) and biostatic (organosilane quaternary compound). Using this unique approach, you can Clean, Disinfect and Protect almost any surface.
What is the difference between SPEL-MIC product and other antimicrobial cleaning systems on the market?
Conventional antimicrobial cleaning systems penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism2. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients, i.e. alcohol > 70% or bleaching materials. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating building surfaces do a great job of getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited spectrum of effectiveness2. The SPEL-MIC nanotechnology takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, like the conventional methods, but it also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces, for long-lasting protection. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobially active for the normal life of the substrate onto which it is applied.
How do I know whether the active ingredient of SPEL-MIC is present?
The active quaternary silane compound can be detected using a bromophenol blue (BPB) dye3. A study conducted by Lamba et al., (2016) on the evaluation of antimicrobial-treated fabric properties showed retention of organosilane compound dyed with BPB dye on fabric. (Figure 2)3.
Figure 2 – Bromophenol (BPB) dye blue retention by untreated cotton (left) vs cotton treated (right)with organosilane BPB dye compounds. Figure from Lamba et al., (2016).
Antimicrobial activity testing on quaternary silane compound (SPEL-MIC formulation)
Staphylococcus aureus, ATCC 6538, was obtained from the American Type Culture Collection. Test organisms were grown overnight at 35 °C in Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB). Plates containing 30–300 colonies were counted and used to determine the number of organisms present in the stock suspensions3. An inoculum consisting of 20 μL of the stock bacterial suspension was applied to 0.5 inches width swatches of fabric (treated with quaternary silane compound) held in sterile Petri plates. Care was taken to ensure that the inoculum was evenly distributed and completely absorbed into the fabric3. The bacterial stock suspension (20 μL) was also added to control (untreated) fabric swatches. After incubation, the swatches were placed onto TSA plates and incubated at 37°C3. At 24 and 48 h, the swatches were observed, and bacterial survival (as indicated by the observation of S. aureus colonies) was assessed in terms of growth (G), reduced growth (RG) or nogrowth (NG) (Figure 3)3.
Figure 3 - We observed no growth on fabric treated with quaternary ammonium compound (right)compared to (left) untreated, red colour indication of S. aureus active growth. Figure from Lamba et al., (2016)3
How long does the treatment last?
Since the cured antimicrobial is involatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for at least 30 days of the treated surface. The life of the 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, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial will decrease. Abrasive or caustic (pH 12.0) cleaners will also shorten the effective life of SPEL-MIC. If unsure reapply SPEL-MIC for renewal for another layer of protection for up to 30 days.