Silver compound additives as antiviral and antibacterial substitutes for quaternary ammonium compounds in cleaning and disinfection products

Overview

S3nano has developed a portfolio of silver-based additives, including metallic nanoparticles, microparticles, silver salts, and silver ions, that can be integrated into cleaning and disinfection products as substitutes for quaternary ammonium compounds (quats). These additives have demonstrated strong antiviral and antibacterial performance in existing markets and are now positioned for adoption in the cleaning industry. Key advantages include residual antimicrobial action, low required concentrations, and effectiveness against highly resistant microorganisms, including non-enveloped viruses.

Unlike quats, S3nano's silver compounds are non-ionic, making them stable in most formulations, including those with other active ingredients. They are non-volatile, which extends the duration of antimicrobial activity, and they act directly on the genetic structures of microorganisms. This mechanism of action enables efficacy even against the most resistant pathogens. The company aims to adapt its existing additive range to the specific needs of cleaning and disinfection products, combining technical performance with regulatory compliance.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Silver-based additives available in metallic nanoparticle, microparticle, salt, and ionic forms
• Non-ionic chemistry ensures stability in complex formulations and compatibility with other active ingredients
• Non-volatile composition provides long-lasting residual antimicrobial action
• Direct action on microorganism genetic structures enables efficacy against non-enveloped viruses and resistant strains
• Effective at low concentrations, approximately 10 to 15 ppm, achieving 99.99% pathogen elimination on treated surfaces
• Validated under international standards including AATCC100 and ISO 21702
• Human safety tested with no oral or dermal toxicity, no mutagenicity, and dermatologically tested, hypollergenic claims
• Scalable production with additives ready for integration into liquid cleaning and disinfection formulations

Technology readiness level

The silver-based additives are already developed and scaled up for existing markets. Prior validation in fibers and polymeric substrates demonstrated 99.99% elimination of microorganisms, with performance expected to improve further in liquid formulations such as cleaning products. The next phase involves adapting the additives to specific cleaning and disinfection product requirements, followed by efficiency, safety, and ecotoxicity testing over an estimated 6 to 10 months. Collaboration with a cleaning industry partner would support identification of the optimal compound variant considering both technical performance and regulatory considerations.