Bio-Guardian compound inhibits micro-organism growth and kills germs

Published: 28-Sep-2009

Results from tests carried out by the Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Hygiene at Phillipps University Marburg, in Germany, have illustrated that the Bio-Guardian elastomer compound has a significant germ reduction and growth inhibition effect on bacteria such as E. coli and MRSA. Developed by fluid sealing product specialist Garlock Sealing Technologies, Bio-Guardian is a mouldable compound incorporating silver ions (Ag2+) and is already available in the Garlock Cefil’Air inflatable seals range.

In production environments where low germ count is essential, such as the food and pharmaceutical industries, biostatic growth inhibition is critical. Measured against a controlled test to Japanese standard JIS L 1902:1998,2002, Bio-Guardian met food sector requirements with reduction rates of three to four log 10 levels for tested species including E. coli, MRSA and VRE.

The company says the seals provide an ideal solution for irregular moving surfaces such as door or lid type closures. The inflatable design of the seal allows it to be deflated and inflated as required to provide a secure seal between two surfaces. Bio-Guardian seal elastomer will withstand temperatures from –100°C to 250°C and pressures from 0.5 to 10.4 bar in a wide range of liquid or gaseous media.

Applications for Cefil’Air Bio-Guardian have included sealing access points for cleanroom entry – where the door seal becomes exposed to an external environment its ability to reduce germs and prevent micro-organism development helps to maintain cleanroom integrity. In addition to growth inhibition properties the Cefil’Air inflatable seal technology completely fills irregular gaps between the cleanroom door and its frame.

Contact T +44 1422 313600 www.garlock.co.uk

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