Filtech 2023

14th February 2023
1:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Room 2

Presenting Author: M.-L. Harwardt

Co-Authors: R. Ahlers, A.-L. Meza-Chincha, M. Danz, Heraeus Precious Metals - Antimicrobial Technologies; C. Meyer, Largentec GmbH, Germany

Microorganisms encounter us ubiquitously in daily life. While the presence of some microorganisms is not harmful to humans or even favorable in contexts of biological metabolic processes, some strains of bacteria, viruses, or fungi pose a serious threat to human health. Especially, in aqueous media pathogens may multiply easily. Ensuring high quality water supply is one of the basic needs of civilized society. Water filtration devices are deployed in fields as diverse as wastewater treatment, household filters, or in swimming pool water recycling. However, filters are prone to contamination by microorganisms and biofouling endangering not only consumer health but also shortening product lifetimes. Particularly in the light of the spread of multi-resistant germs, it is more crucial than ever to protect filters from bacterial growth and to enhance water quality by innovative antimicrobial technologies.

AGXX is a new antimicrobial technology which is based on reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced from water and oxygen by a catalytical reaction supported by two precious metals. Additionally, a microelectric field between the two precious metals increases the antimicrobial effect. AGXX is not based on the release of any metals or harmful compounds into the environment and therefore offers long-lasting protection. To this date, it has shown antimicrobial efficacy against over 130 microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, algae, and fungi, among others silver-resistant E. coli strains, methicilin-resistant S.aureus (MRSA), or CoV2 viruses. AGXX application was also successful in prevention of biofilm formation.

The technology is available in various product forms optimized for diverse applications. The technology initially used inorganic carrier powders, such as activated coal, aluminum oxide or other carrier materials, well suited for incorporation in textile filters. Recently, the AGXX technology was also successfully applied to various types of activated carbon granules and pellets which are easily applicable in activated carbon-based water filters. AGXX carbon granules showed excellent antimicrobial efficacy in ASTM and laboratory water filtration tests. Currently, samples thereof are tested in wastewater treatment and purification systems for swimming pools at the Fraunhofer UMSICHT institute and the IWW. The aim of these projects is to protect human and animal health by preventing the spread of pathogens by addition of AGXX.