Defeating Deseases
Addmaster says sales of its innovative MRSA combatant masterbatch, Biomaster, are booming.
Addmaster's vision and tenacity in addressing the MRSA threat with its Biomaster product are now paying dividends, according to Paul Morris, managing director of the Stafford based firm. "We started work on antimicrobials in 2000 and launched our first MRSA product in 2002. In the early stage of development, the impetus to find a solution was not as strong as it is today, but we stick with it and worked with the NHS as well as its suppliers to prove that our product is effective against MRSA. "Enquiries have mushroomed in recent months. We anticipate selling 100 tonnes of antimicrobial product by the end of the year," he adds. Figures for the first half of 2004 have shown that sales have already exceeded the full year total for 2003. The imminent launch by a major manufacture of a range of flooring products containing Biomaster aimed at the hospital market reflects the growing list of applications, says Addmaster. PR film, soluble laundry film, textiles and medical equipment such as beds and trolleys are all being treated. In fact, says Morris, "virtually any item that comes into contact with patients and is transportable is being looked upon as a suitable case for treatment."
According to Addmaster, its Biomaster products are unique because they are based on exclusive inorganic chemistry and offer superior performance against organic based types in terms of heat stability, lower migration, excellent antiwash characteristics and all round anti-algal and antifungal properties.
Biomaster is claimed to be particularly effective against MRSA. It works by inhibiting microbe multiplication, showing a dramatic reduction on plastic substrate at relatively low doses. The performance is related to its patented release mechanism. Release is on demand, unlike other systems, which have no control over their antimicrobials relases or rely on ceramic/glass barriers, the firm says. Results from the company show a reduction of up to 99.99% in MRSA and other gram positive/negative bacteria, fungi, moulds and algae.
The product is used in most conversion processes at rate of typically 1% and for a range of products such as polyolefins, styrenics, polyester, polycarbonate, PET, polysulphone and nylon. Addmaster is continuing to invest in the programme with the appointment of Dr Adrian Thorpe, a PhD in bio-fouling, as R&D manager, and consultant Alan McCall to pursue opportunities with blue-chip companies. Morris himself is looking at setting up knowledge transfer partnerships with universities to develop the product further.
Source - PRW, July 2004
Biomaster is a registered trademark of Addmaster, based in Stafford UK. Addmasteris Europe's leading supplier of performance additives for a wide range of applications and industries. By working in partnership with its customers and focussing on research and development, highly innovative additives have been created and successfully introduced into many manufacturing environments. Addmaster's advanced products are being used by many of the world's industry leaders in the plastics, paper, paint, textile and coating industries. Addmaster, founded in the year 2000, sees its major objective as capitalising on the lack of innovation which exists in these industry sectors, and has won many business awards for innovations in product development and marketing.
