 Nano Tek-On offers a complete mPact application service, involving the preparation of the surface using mPerial, and then the application of the mPale / ÆGIS antimicrobial spear technology. Application includes the following steps:
Nano Tek-On’s certified technicians determine the best application techniques for the specific surface to be treated, and provide a cost estimate accordingly. Application techniques can include hand-wiping, coarse spraying/fogging, or an electrostatic application process.
Surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and prepared using the mPerial cleaner and sanitizer.
The ÆGIS antimicrobial is then applied. Hand-wiping is used for small jobs where spraying applications are not prudent – such as small, constricted areas or on a surface that requires delicate handling. Coarse spraying/fogging is used when a surface is very irregular and deep penetration is needed – carpet is a good example. Large areas generally require a process which utilizes spray wands with nozzles that impart an electrostatic charge. This provides a very uniform and thorough coverage of the targeted surface.
How does mPact work?
The active ingredient in the mPact antimicrobial forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer, which chemically bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the quaternary amine sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn't lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it.
What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?
Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents, which can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface. This process modifies surface properties of building materials and transforms them to a material that will not support microbial growth. In other words, it is the "glue" that holds the "spike" to the surface.
 What is the difference between mPact and other antimicrobials on the market?
Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating building surfaces do a great job of getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited spectrum of effectiveness. The mPact technology takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, like the conventional methods, but it also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces – basically, for the life of that surface. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobially active for the normal life of the substrate onto which it is applied.
 How long does the treatment last?
Since the cured antimicrobial is involatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. The life of the treated surface depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If a dirty or unstable surface is treated, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial will decrease. Abrasive or caustic (pH 12.0) cleaners will also shorten effective life. In our experience, our applicators have seen effectiveness for the life of the substrate with normal housekeeping.
How is the mPact treatment maintained?
Normal cleaning of treated surfaces is necessary to prevent buildup of dirt, dead microbes, etc. which could cover the treatment, prohibiting it from killing microorganisms. |
