In healthcare settings, routine cleaning and disinfection of surfaces, accessories and machinery is critical to protect people and patients. The cycle of clients and residents sees surfaces and equipment continually contaminated with potentially hazardous microorganisms. Once compromised, the risk of infection transmission increases, further burdening the healthcare system. Strict hygiene and disinfection routines are vital to reduce the risk of contamination and enforced more stringently in medical practices than in non-health care, commercial or public environments.
All medical facilities include a variety of surfaces touched by patients, their visitors, and patient care providers. This includes equipment, medical devices, furniture and belongings, all of which can carry and transmit infectious microorganisms. In environments like hospitals, surface bacteria can accumulate rapidly between cleanings.
To combat this, Elimagen Technologies has introduced an added layer of protection—a cutting-edge solution aimed at revolutionizing cleanliness and hygiene across various industries, especially healthcare. Elimagen is a durable, clear coating with integrated anti-fingerprint and antimicrobial technologies which complements regular cleaning and serves as a barrier, reducing bacterial buildup on high-touch surfaces.
Requiring a one-time application with a lifespan of years, not weeks or months, it includes a UV-cured, durable finish that dries to the touch in about 30 seconds. This minimizes disruption in busy environments, a feature which is particularly beneficial for high-traffic areas like hospitals, where reducing downtime is crucial.
Versatile Applications
Designed with different formulas tailored for various substrate surfaces such as plastic and stainless steel, its adaptability makes Elimagen suitable for a wide range of high-touch surfaces.
“We can cover everything from door handles, elevator buttons, and light switches to computer keyboards,” explains Paul Svendsen, CEO of Elimagen Technologies. “Each type of surface can benefit from a slight adjustment in the formula for optimal adhesion, and once applied, our coating works 24/7 to knock down bacteria between cleanings.”
How It Works
Microban® antimicrobial additives are supplied in powder, polymer pellet or liquid forms, depending on the product to be treated and the manufacturing process employed. Microban® antimicrobial technology works at a cellular level, continually disrupting the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. It operates a multi-modal attack, damaging the protein, cell membrane, DNA and internal systems of a microbe. Once infused into a product, Microban® antimicrobial technology starts to work as soon as a microorganism comes into contact with the protected surface.
Besides healthcare settings, the commercial and hospitality industries also stand to benefit from this technology. High-touch surfaces, such as shopping cart handles and electronic switches, can harbour significant bacteria. By applying the coating, businesses can enhance their cleanliness protocols and provide peace of mind to their customers.
The Elimagen application process involves a limited spray with HEPA filtration to ensure safety and minimal odour. Cured using UV technology, the coating dries rapidly and can be ready for use within minutes. This efficient application process ensures there is little downtime for a facility.
The coating not only provides antimicrobial protection but also enhances the appearance of surfaces. It creates a smooth, easy-to-clean finish that resists fingerprints, further simplifying maintenance. The CEO notes, “The finish is beautiful and glass-like, making surfaces easier to clean and more visually appealing.”
Does Microban® protection work immediately?
Microban® protection begins to work as soon as a microorganism comes into contact with the product surface. It then works continuously to maintain a consistently lower bio-burden than would be expected on a product without Microban® antimicrobial protection. While the coating offers continuous protection, it is not a replacement for regular cleaning. Instead, it serves as a bridge between cleanings, reducing the bacterial load on surfaces. “We’re not trying to replace cleaning,” emphasizes Svendsen. “There’s a gap between cleanings, and our coating helps fill that gap.”
This approach is especially critical in healthcare settings, where high-touch surfaces can be vectors for bacteria transmission.
Market Potential and Interest
Since launching the product officially a few weeks ago, the response has been promising. Initial interest has come from facilities managers, infection control specialists, and healthcare authorities. The company has also seen inquiries from the commercial sector, particularly for electronic switches and other high-touch surfaces.
Pricing and Implementation
Pricing for the coating application varies depending on the specific needs and scale of the project. The application must be performed by trained technicians using specialized equipment, ensuring proper adhesion and curing. This approach ensures the highest efficacy and durability of the coating. “We look at high-traffic zones and high-touch surfaces, then provide a tailored estimate,” Svendsen clarifies.
The demand for antimicrobial solutions has surged, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the coating was developed prior to the pandemic, the heightened awareness of hygiene has accelerated interest in such technologies. “COVID highlighted the need for clean surfaces, but our work started before that. The pandemic just underscored the importance of what we’re doing,” he observes.
Looking ahead, Elimagen Technologies aims to expand the application of their coating across various industries. The company sees significant potential in both new builds and retrofitting existing facilities. “The possibilities are endless. We’re starting with healthcare, but we see applications in commercial, hospitality, and beyond,” the CEO envisions.
Elimagen Technologies’ innovative antimicrobial coating represents a significant advancement in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene. By providing continuous protection between cleanings, it addresses a critical need in high-traffic environments, particularly in healthcare settings. With its versatility and ease of application, this coating has the potential to become a standard solution across multiple industries, enhancing both safety and peace of mind.
To learn more about this exciting technology, visit www.elimagentechnologies.com
