“Biofilm forms on most untreated surfaces in moist environments and contributes to degradation, staining and odors in a multitude of situations,” said Thomas E. Hopkins, Poly Group chief scientific officer. “Biofilms are of particular concern due to the difficulty in gaining access to the bacteria present in order to eradicate. Nouvex represents a new approach to solving problems of microbial degradation of materials as well as the spread of undesirable bacteria.”

Nouvex provides a new way to remove and prevent bacterial contamination that is unlike current chemicals or metal agents such as copper, and silver. The technology, which was developed in the laboratory of Jeffrey Youngblood, a Purdue University professor of materials engineering, was tested at an independent laboratory using the ASTM MBEC Biofilm Testing method. Poly Group is located in the Purdue Research Park of Southeast Indiana in New Albany, Indiana.

“Safely removing biofilm from plastics such as thermosets and thermoplastics and other non-food products is a real challenge, and we are excited about the results of this testing,” said Craig Kalmer, Poly Group chief operating officer. “This enhances our market opportunities as part of the first-phase in expanding the use of Nouvex.

The EPA approved Nouvex N950-9010 Master Batch to be used in non-food contact coatings, papers, textiles, and plastics such as thermoset and thermoplastics and synthetics; injection molding; extrusions and powder coatings to control microorganisms that cause deterioration, discoloration and odor. Nouvex is registered in 49 of 50 states.

Nouvex, when tested using EPA required protocols, demonstrates that when used as directed is safe to the environment and provides effective material protection as a preservative. The EPA registration is based on independent laboratory testing that demonstrates the ability of Nouvex to be effective in preserving a wide variety of materials.

The antimicrobial market is a multi-billion dollar industry that presents multiple options and pathways for commercializing Nouvex. Widely published statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate infections acquired in U.S. hospitals affect two million individuals every year and result in nearly 100,000 deaths annually.

Source: EPA-approved antimicrobial polymer shown to remove, eradicate biofilm, slimy bacteria