Innovation in antimicrobial solutions
The Heraeus Precious Metals division of family-owned Heraeus group headquartered in Hanau, Germany, will be introducing its innovative antimicrobial technology AGXX at the next Performance Days show in Munich on October 24 & 25.
As opposed to many antibacterial finishes for textiles, which rely on the release of metal ions, the solution developed by Heraeus Precious Metals is based on a combination of redox reactions and micro-electric field effects. In the presence of atmospheric humidity, oxygen is converted into oxygen radicals that kill microorganisms, the company claims, adding that the presence of a micro-electric field interferes with important cell membrane functions. This means that AGXX complies with the European Biocidal Products Regulation.
AGXX can be incorporated into textiles either at yarn or fabric stage. The additive is said to maintain its antimicrobial properties and freshness for extensive use and has been found to last more than 100 washing cycles when incorporated into a lyocell yarn.
Its longevity is said to be due to the catalytic mechanism of its action that targets a wide array of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, algae) and viruses. The catalytic reaction is triggered, the company says, by the interaction between two metals. In the presence of humidity in the air, this process converts oxygen into ‘reactive oxygen species’ (ROS). The ROS kills microorganisms first by destroying their outer membranes and then their organelles and DNA. The mechanism is a ‘circular redox system’, which means that AGXX is not consumed but rather ‘continuously regenerated’.
The development of a textile solution was made possible through a publicly funded research project with the German Institutes of Textile and Fibre Research (DITF). The two worked together to develop solutions for the incorporation of AGXX in textile fibres, coatings and finishings.
Another business division of Heraeus is present in textiles, through a majority stake in revalyu acquired in 2022. Revalyu (formerly perPETual) has announced the construction of a PET recycling plant in the United States, a $50 million investment.
