Technology

Pro-Techs is a unique non-migrating antimicrobial technology that works 24/7 to prevent growth of bacteria, fungi, algae, yeasts, and viruses...

Pro-Techs is a unique non-migrating antimicrobial technology that works 24/7 to prevent growth of bacteria, fungi, algae, yeasts, and viruses with a 99.9% effectiveness on a wide variety of treated articles and substrates. The antimicrobial active ingredient is registered under the EPA, European Biocidal Products Regulation, and many other comparable regulatory bodies around the world. The antimicrobial has been used safely and effectively for more than forty years.

Unique Product, Unique Approach

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Disinfect. First things first, we use our cutting edge solutions to clean and disinfect.

 
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Protect. Now for the heavy lifting. As soon as we apply our PRO-Techs antimicrobial, it begins working 24/7 to protect against unwanted microbials.

 
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Sustain. Our Technology creates a semi-permanent bond with whatever surface it is applied to. You can sleep comfortably knowing that PRO-Techs is working hard around the clock so you don’t have to.

24/7 PROTECTIVE SHIELD TECHNOLOGY

PRO-Techs works around the clock so you don’t have

99.9% EFFECTIVENESS

PRO-Techs works around the clock so you don’t have

DURABLE, SUSTAINABLE, & ECONOMICAL

Just one application protects for up to several months

ANY SURFACE. ANYWHERE.

PRO-Techs can be applied to any hard or soft surface

PEOPLE FRIENDLY & ENVIRONMENTALLY SAFE

Non-toxic, Colorless, Odorless, Durable and Non-leaching

EPA & EBPR REGISTERED

Our technology is registered and recognized globally

Through a variety of domestic and international regulatory testing protocols Pro-Techs has shown to possess very unique characteristics; they are both bio-static (inhibits) and bio-cidal (kills).  Pro-Techs is effective in reducing a broad spectrum of bacteria, mold, mildew, fungi and algae. This is due to Pro-Tech’s unique water-stable organosilane molecular structure and patented compounds that are composed of three parts:

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Part 1: is the “silane base.” This is the compound that anchors and triggers the covalent bonding functionality which allows Pro-Techs to adhere to surfaces and textiles and remain durable for up to several months when applied to textiles. Pro-Techs resultant durability means it is not fugitive, i.e., does not leach or become mobile. Pro-Techs actually becomes part of the surface to which it is applied.

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Part 2: is the vertically-aligned long 18-carbon chain bed of “micro-swords” which puncture and impale microbe cell membranes, the first phase of cell death.

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Part 3: is the positively-charged nitrogen atoms. The cell membranes of the microorganisms carry a negative charge and are attracted to the positive nitrogen charge on the Pro-Techs shielded surface. The nitrogen positive electric charge is directed at the impaled and punctured microbes, resulting in electrocution at the molecular level with “explosion” of the microbe target and definitive cell death. There is no transfer of energy with electrical kill method, thus the process continues to work indefinitely at full strength. Electrocution precludes an environment for mutant (adaptive) “super bug” (antibiotic-resistant) pathogens).

Bacteria
  • Acinetobacter calcoaceticus
  • Bacillus cereus
  • Bacillus subtilis
  • Brucella abortus
  • Brucella cania
  • Brucella suis
  • Citrobacter diversus
  • Clostridium difficile
  • Clostridium perfringens
  • Corynebacterium bovis
  • Enterobacter agglomerans
  • Escherichia coli ATCC 25922
  • Escherichia coli ATCC 23266
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Haemophilus suis
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352
  • Lactobacillus casei
  • Leuconostoc lactis
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Micrococcus sp.
  • Mycobacterium smegmatis
  • Mycobacterium tuberculosis
  • Propionibacterium acnes
  • Proteus mirabilis
  • Proteus vulgaris
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa PDR-10
  • Pseudomonas cepacia
  • Pseudomonas fluorescens
  • Salmonella choleraesuis
  • Salmonella typhosa
  • Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 (non-pigmented & pigmented)
  • Staphylococcus epidermidis
  • Streptococcus faecalis
  • Streptococcus mutans
  • Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus
  • Xanthomonas campestris
Fungi
  • Aerobasidium pullulans
  • Aspergillus flavus
  • Aspergillus fumigatus
  • Aspergillus niger
  • Aspergillus repens
  • Aspergillus terreus
  • Aspergillus versicolor
  • Chaetomium globusum
  • Cladosporium herbarum
  • Fusarium nigrum
  • Fusarium solani
  • Gliocladium roseum
  • Mucor sp.
  • Oospora lactis
  • Penicillium albicans
  • Penicillium chrysogenum
  • Penicillium citrinum
  • Penicillium elegans
  • Penicillium funiculosum
  • Penicillium humicola
  • Penicillium notatum
  • Penicillium variabile
  • Rhizopus nigricans
  • Stachybotrys atra
  • Trichoderma flavus
  • Tricophyton interdigitalie
  • Tricophyton mentagrophytes
Yeast
  • Candida albicans
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Algae
  • Anabaena cylindrica B-1446-1C
  • Chlorella vulgarus
  • Gonium sp. LB 9c
  • Oscillatoria borneti LB143
  • Pleurococcus sp. LB 11
  • Schenedesmus quadricauda
  • Selenastrum gracile B-325
  • Volvox sp. LB 9
BASE DE SILANO BASE DE PLATA BASE DE TRICOLSAN
Common Names PRO-Techs AgION
Alphasan
A.M.Y.
Fosshield
Meryl Skinlife
Ultrafresh
and others
Amicor
Biofresh
Microban
Rhovyl
Sanitized
X-Static
and others
Mode of Action Engineered nanostructure mechanically punctures the cell wall membrane Releases ionic free radicals that react with cell DNA and disrupt critical life processes in the cell Releases toxic polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) for consumption or cellular absorption, causing lethal mutations in the cell
Leaching Does not leach. Does not migrate. Leaches for its mode of action. Must leach to work. Leaches for its mode of action. Must leach to work.
Durability Permanent Embedded in or on fiber binder or coating. Embedded in or on fiber binder or coating.
Cost Economical Cost of Silver is high and volatile Medium cost
Effectiveness Broad spectrum on all known bacteria, fungi, algae, yeast, viruses Effectivness varies based on concentration and use conditions Effectivness varies based on concentration and use conditions
Adaptive Organisms Laboratory proven not to promote adaptive organisms (super bugs) Can create adaptive zones. Resistant species identified. Can create adaptive zones. Resistant species identified.
Applications Any hard or soft surface. Any fabric, any style, any process Choices often limited to select fibers. Some not compatible with organic fabric. Interfere with common environmental chemicals Can be applied differentially to multiple fabric types depending on application procedure, coating used, or expected end use and abuse
Distribution Worldwide Varies by company Not accepted or available in certain areas
How does PRO-Techs technology work?
The active ingredient in Pro-Techs forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer that molecularly 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 C-18 molecular sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the organism. Since there is no transfer of electrical power, the antimicrobial agent maintains its kill capacity.
What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?
TSilanes are extremely efficient bonding agents that can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface. Our antimicrobial silane modifies virtually any surface and transforms it into a surface that will not support microbial growth.
Active Ingredient?
CAS 27668-52-6 dimethyloctadecyl(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl) (organosilane quarternary)
Are Pro-Techs products quaternary compounds?
Yes and no. Pro-Techs active ingredient is an organofunctional silane, but part of the molecule is a quaternary compound. Unlike traditional quats, which have a limited kill spectrum, Pro-Techs provides long-term protection and controls a wide range of microorganisms including bacteria, fungus, algae, and mold.
What is the difference between Pro-Techs and other antimicrobials on the market?
Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism or disrupting a vital life process. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating surfaces do an adequate job of killing bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited duration of effectiveness. Pro-Techs takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, but, unlike the conventional methods, it also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces, often for the life of that surface. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobial active.
Organisms tested?
Most Common offending pathogens: including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Klebsiella, Escherichia Coli (E Coli), fungal organisms (including Aspergillus and Mucor), Yeast-Phase Candida species, Virus (including HIV and Influenza), Mold, Algae, and Protozoa, most of which are antibiotic resistant.
Will this technology adversely affect the skin or environment?
No. Since the antimicrobial is permanently bound to the surfaces it protects, it does not leach from the fabric to the skin or into the environment. Extensive toxicological testing shows the antimicrobial does not cross the skin barrier. In fact, Pro-Techs is so safe, that it is used on baby diapers to reduce diaper rash.
What tests show that the growth of bacteria has been prevented?
Microbiological testing is what establishes the baseline standard that is used to give the BPB analytical procedure its validity for use as a QA and QC tool. Pro-Techs has over 15 years experience in performing extensive microbiological tests such as bacterial retrievals, fungal growth tests (AATCC 30, ASTM G-21) and bacterial growth tests (AATCC 100, ASTM 2149-01). We have a long history of bacterial and fungal testing on many products including shoe linings, leather, socks, child safety seats, hospital drapes, carpet and building products.
Why are Pro-Techs products so durable?
Their exceptional chemical bond (a covalent bond) the bonded polymer is neither soluble nor volatile. The unique bond results in the Pro-Techs polymer becoming an integral part of the substrate.
Will its use result in ‘super bacteria’?
No. Adaptation studies show that microbes do not adapt to Pro-Techs and no ‘Zone of Inhibition’ develops.
Does Pro-Techs give off gases during or after application?
No. Pro-Techs does not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces. Its chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that essentially lasts the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment, although it can be abraded away.
Is Pro-Techs permeable to moisture?
Yes, moisture that is in or on the treated material/surface passes through the treatment. After curing, the treatment is somewhat hydrophobic (water repellent), but it should not be considered to be a replacement for commercial water repellents.
Why choose Pro-Techs?
Pro-Techs is a unique time-tested broad spectrum antimicrobial agent, with over 15 years of application and testing experience, making us not only the most qualified in the industry, but also our ability to achieve dramatic results in the most critical situations, makes us stand alone in the industry. (Over 10 million yards of branded and private label fabric treated )
How is the active ingredient applied on/in fabric (e.g. master batch, exhausted during fabric dyeing/finishing process, padded, etc..)
Pro-Techs can be applied in any of the following applications: standard padding, exhaustion, spray techniques, electrostatic application
What are the yarn options (e.g. polyester-filament or staple, nylon, cotton)?
Pro-Techs can be applied to all fiber substrates
Is this technology designed to fit into existing textile processing techniques? Is there a requirement for a new step or processing activity?
Pro-Techs designed to fit any standard textile processing including: standard padding, exhaustion, spray techniques and electrostatic application. Pro-Techs also has the capabilities of treating all textiles at our facilities.
After being treated with Pro-Techs can fabric still be dyed?
Pro-Techs will not effect dying and printing of treated fabrics. Pro-Techs can also be applied to any textiles including bright white, colors and black.
What % of the fabric construction needs to be treated with Pro-Techs in order to achieve target efficacy (Passing A2 100 test)?
Best practice is to treat the whole surface Typical amount used 2 – 6% OWG

REGULATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Is Pro-Techs registered under the EPA treated article exemption?
Yes, since 1976.
Does Pro-Techs have an approved EPA Public Health Claims: (if yes, what specific claim(s))
No
Is Pro-Techs registered/approved by any of the following regulatory or certification bodies?
REACH Yes
Biocide Products Directive = Yes
Oeko-Tex Yes
Bluesign No – For internal purposes we test using Bluesign but not registered with Bluesign. Pro-Techs shows up during BPB testing

EFFICACY

AATCC 100 Test Result Summary (or other similar anti-odor or anti- microbial test such as JIS L 1902, ASTM 2149, etc.)
Available upon request
Are there any odor capture benefits to this technology? What testing have you conducted?
Bacteria feeding on the fats and proteins in sweat cause the release of odor. Odor on feet is nurtured by rapid growth of bacteria in the dark, warm moist environment of shoes. Pro-Techs kills the odor causing bacteria upon contact. Pro-Techs maintains a bacteria free environment and as a result creates an odor free environment.
How long does the treatment last?
Since the cured antimicrobial is nonvolatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for up to 90+ days onsurfaces. The life of a treated surface depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If you treat a dirty or unstable surface, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, some of the antimicrobial will be removed with it. Abrasive or caustic (pH>10.5) cleaners will also shorten effective life.
Are there any other performance benefits?
Long term antimicrobial control and effectiveness, Softening effect on treated textiles.

QUALITY CONTROL

Do you have a simple test that can verify the presence of the technology and loading in the fabric?
Yes Bromophenol Blue (BPB) stain testing clearly shows the presence of the Pro-Techs in a matter of minutes. Used during production. All Pro-Techs treated products come with independent 3rd party testing. Also includes documentation stating the process and the level achieve for every yard and a 3 year warranty on the level of effectiveness.

Disclaimer: Actual results will vary based on a number of variables including the type of surface. Please contact us and one of our experts will help you optimize the solution for your use case.