Antimicrobial Additives

What are antimicrobial additives?

Antimicrobials are a class of ingredients used in a tremendous range of raw materials and finished goods. The objective of these ingredients is to protect or to enhance the useable lifespan of a product in the presence of microorganisms that are present in nearly all environments.

Antimicrobials target the microorganisms in the product, and bioproduct additives target the residual effects of the microorganisms such as stains or odors. Originally developed for use as biocides, antimicrobial additives are used in nearly every industry and consumer product market.

Used in combination, antimicrobials can diminish the microorganisms and the physical evidence of microorganisms including odors and stains. The typical microorganisms of concern are commonly bacteria, and fungi; both disease and non-disease causing species.

There are numerous types of these additives and proper selection depends on the performance required and the end use of the product.

As with any auxiliary, antimicrobials may affect the other additives used in and or on the product (dyes, UV protection, durability enhancers, etc.). When selecting the antimicrobial, consideration should be made of the product’s primary performance characteristics.

For more information on how an antimicrobial additive may affect the overall performance of a product and antimicrobial testing, contact our product test laboratory at 847-483-9950 or info@situtest.com.