Zeolites have exceptional chemical and physical properties due to their unique structure and act as adsorbents, antibacterial agents, and molecular sieves. The materials that destroy bacteria without being toxic to surrounding tissues or the environment are known as antibacterial agents. Let’s explore more about zeolites and antimicrobial technology.
Types and Principles of Antibacterial Zeolites
Silver-loaded molecular sieves: Silver ions or nanosilver are loaded on the surface of the molecular sieve or in the micropores. Silver ions or nanosilver can form irreversible silver sulfide compounds with -SH-based enzymes in microorganisms at low concentrations to block bacterial replication. Silver ions or nanosilver have broad-spectrum, high-efficiency, and long-lasting antibacterial properties, giving molecular sieves antibacterial functions.
Composite antibacterial molecular sieves: Molecular sieves are compounded with other antibacterial agents (such as organic antibacterial agents, inorganic antibacterial agents, etc.) to form composite antibacterial materials. This composite material can combine the advantages of different antibacterial agents, improve antibacterial properties, and may have a wider antibacterial spectrum.
Applications of Antibacterial Zeolites
- Pharmaceutical industry: medical devices, drug carriers and wound dressings, etc.
The molecular sieve has unique adsorption properties and antibacterial effects, and its antibacterial rate can reach 99.9%, which has obvious inhibitory effect on Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and other common bacteria. And for influenza H3N2 virus and enterovirus EV71, the antiviral rate can reach more than 95%.
- Commodity manufacturing: plastic products, rubber products, etc.
Add the antibacterial agent to the substrate or resin, to make antibacterial masterbatch under high temperature melting, and then further add to different products (the addition amount of 1%-10%), which can significantly improve the antibacterial performance of the product, extend the service life, and reduce the growth of bacteria, and protect the consumer health.
For example, antibacterial plastics used in public places, such as handles on subways or buses, plastic door handles, escalator handrails, elevator buttons, etc., which can greatly avoid the chance of bacterial cross-infection.
- Home appliances: air purifiers, refrigerators, washing machines, coffee machines, etc.
Some areas in home appliances (narrow pipes and hidden gaps) are difficult to clean, and are prone to residual moisture and organic matter, which can breed bacteria and mold.
By integrating antibacterial additives directly into the surface and components of home appliances, the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew can be effectively inhibited, the generation of odor and pollutants can be reduced, and the using effect and user experience of the product can be improved.
- Fiber products and textiles: antibacterial clothing, antibacterial bedding, etc.
Adding antibacterial zeolite molecular sieves to fibers, fiber products with antibacterial properties can be manufactured. These products not only have excellent antibacterial effects, but also can reduce the generation of odor and sweat stains, and improve the wearing and using experience.
- Building materials: coatings, tiles, etc.
Improve the antibacterial properties of the coating, prevent bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms from growing on the surface or inside the coating, thereby effectively preventing mold and discoloration.
As a functional filler, antibacterial zeolites can improve the physical and chemical properties of coatings, such as increasing the hardness of the coating, reducing the water absorption of the coating, and improving the coating’s weather resistance, stain resistance, and alkali resistance. In addition, silver-loaded molecular sieves have little effect on the coating’s leveling, adhesion, and glossiness.
