IDM | Technology/IT
New surface coating remains effective for years Environ-X: Protection from microorganisms
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roduSafe was founded in The Netherlands in August 2011. The company has now Environ-X, a new anti-bacterial coating to protect surfaces. The concept is based on titanium dioxide (E171). This is a pigment that has been used for a long time, not as a disinfectant but as a white colorant. International Dairy Magazine visited the ProduSafe premises in Geldermalsen, the Netherlands. Erik Wesselink from ProduSafe explains: “Environ-X signifies a revolution in hygiene for the food and beverage industry. Environ-X contains nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide that can be used on both rough and smooth surfaces. Environ-X is invisible and it can be applied to tiles, steel or wood.“
Erik Wesselink: Environ-X is a revolution for hygiene in food manufacturing plants (photo: IDM)
Permanent protection It is very easy to apply the anti-bacterial coating: TiO2 nanoparticles (diameter 6 nm) are suspended in water and then applied using a high pressure cleaner to the surface where they bind. The coating is so strong
that the surface on which it is applied can even be cleaned using a high-pressure cleaner or normally dosed cleaning products. Environ-X can resist temperatures up to 400 °C. According to ProduSafe, the coating remains effective for at least three years and up to six years on surfaces that are not heavily loaded. ProduSafe also says that the nanoparticles are harmless to people and that no problems are caused if they come in contact with the skin or are inhaled.
Photocatalytic sterilisation On its own, titanium dioxide is non-toxic and has no anti-bacterial effect. To turn it into a powerful oxidant, TiO2 must be irradiated with UV radiation. TiO2 can then immediately react with bacterial cell walls, dissolve them and kill the microorganism by inactivating coenzyme A. In addition, an indirect sterilisation effect occurs as TiO2 splits water molecules creating hydroxyl, active oxygen, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide. In any case, the organic residues of microorganisms are oxidised, meaning that later contaminants will not find any culture medium formed by dead microorganisms. The principle of this photocatalytic sterilisation has been known and been investigated for a long time. The advantage is that it does not contain any toxic compounds such as silver. As Wesselink says, the photocatalyst must be irradiated with UV light at least every four weeks.
Registration and use The surface of stainless steel is all but smooth. TiO2 nano particles are 1,000 times smaller than the “hills” and “valleys” of the steel surface (source: Produsafe)
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In the Netherlands, Environ-X is already registered for use by the RIVM (Rijksinstituut
voor Volksgezondheid en Milieu – National institute for public health and the environment). The first industrial users have been found: a reputable global producer of infant food has treated its staff changing rooms, the doors and the elevators with the product. This should prevent cross contamination. A Belgian cheese producer has applied Environ-X to its air-conditioning systems in order to control fungi. However, the product is not a replacement for hygiene. Wesselink: “The companies must have their hygiene chain under control. Environ-X does not offer basic hygiene, but only additional protection in sensitive areas.” And that is exactly what you can call production and personnel areas in the ice cream, dairy and cheese industries.
Reduction of mould count
disinfectant Dutch general standard Environ-X
Time in days Development of mould count: disinfectants have a short-term effect while EnvironX guarantees long-term protection (source: Produsafe)
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