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Tests designed to simulate planktonic and biofilm growth on high consistency rubber silicone, commonly used in the manufacture of urinary catheters, have shown a five log reduction in bacterial growth and prevented biofilm formation, Microban has revealed.
Urinary infections are a common source of hospital acquired infections and current technologies have had limited success in reducing infection rates. However, new Microban silver antimicrobial technology showed greater than five log reductions in Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli versus unprotected HCR silicone using in vitro testing carried out in the company’s US laboratories.
In addition, Microban microbiologists assessed the impact of Microban silver technology on biofilm formation and again the results were highly encouraging.
Gina Sloan, PhD and director of microbiology at Microban, said: “Biofilms are communities of bacteria that are capable of resisting antibiotic treatment and are more likely to cause recurrent infections. The ability of antimicrobial technologies to reduce biofilm formation is critical to reducing infection rates.
“The results of the new study demonstrate that Microban silver antimicrobial technology is not only effective against planktonic bacteria, but importantly.”
Ivan Ong, PhD and vice president of research and development at Microban, added: “We are very excited about the in vitro study results. Our antimicrobial silver technology will help medical device manufacturers who are utilizing HCR silicone to meet new tougher US FDA standards for antimicrobials in medical devices and we believe this technology will also help to address the growing problem of HAIs.
“Microban is leveraging decades of experience in polymer engineering and microbiology to create new technologies that can significantly improve the antimicrobial performance of medical devices currently available on the market.”
For detailed in vitro study results on Microban silver antimicrobial technology for HCR silicone please visit info.microban.com/HCRsilicone.html.
About Microban Europe
Microban Europe is the European division of Microban International, the global leader in built-in antibacterial product protection which is dedicated to the continuous development of durable antibacterial solutions for consumer, industrial and medical products around the world. It offers a range of more than 20 different antibacterial technologies; holds more than 126 patents and conducts more than 40,000 laboratory tests annually to underpin technical efficacy.
The company has licensed its technologies to more than 250 partners worldwide including such brands as Whirlpool, Bissell, Rubbermaid, Tefal, Dupont® Reebok and many others who have incorporated Microban antibacterial protection into more than 1,000 products.
Microban Europe has headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire, UK, and also has operations in Germany, Italy and France. Microban International is headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, US, and has Asian offices based in Hong Kong and Shenzhen as well as a South American office in Brazil.
