Swiss engineers develop cost-effective microsilver formula

Swiss engineers have developed a new formula for microsilver that could benefit the healthcare and food industries. Antibiotics and chemicals are generally used to combat mites, fungi, viruses and bacteria, and especially E. coli in the food industry, but with the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains, demand for antibiotic- and chemical-free solutions has increased. 

Together with the Max Planck Institute and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Sterilos engineers have developed Sterilos PLC. The company claims the formula requires only one-hundredth of the quantity of microsilver to obtain the same antibacterial effects that have previously been achieved with microsilver.

According to Sterilos, the microsilver is in demand for coating oil and gas pipelines and tanks to destroy iron-eating bacteria and stop microbial erosion. Sterilos said the coatings are effective in drinking water facilities, pipes and water treatment plants. Other applications include antimicrobial transportation of food, wall paints and varnish for the food industry, hospitals, schools and restaurants.

QualityLabs in Germany has confirmed and certified the product.