AGXX® – Long-Lasting Preservative for Paints and Coatings

The Growing Challenge of Microbial Contamination

Microorganisms are omnipresent in our daily lives, with varying impacts on human health. While many are harmless or even beneficial, others pose serious health risks, especially in water-based environments where they can multiply rapidly. Stricter regulations on conventional biocidal substances are making it increasingly difficult to develop effective preservation strategies. In many cases, sufficient protection can now only be achieved by combining different biocides, while true innovation faces significant challenges in the approval process.

A promising alternative is the active substance based on in-situ generated free radicals, which is currently undergoing regulatory evaluation. Its efficacy has already been demonstrated in in-can and dry-film preservation, as well as in the creation of antimicrobial surfaces. In our upcoming presentation, we will demonstrate how this technology can contribute to the development of forward-looking preservation strategies.

AGXX by Heraeus Precious Metals offers a novel solution

AGXX is a heterogeneous catalyst composed of bimetallic silver-ruthenium units on a carrier material. The working principle of AGXX is based on a catalytic redox cycle that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) from water and oxygen. A micro-electric field between the two precious metals, caused by their potential difference, further enhances antimicrobial activity. AGXX has demonstrated efficacy against over 130 microorganisms, including bacteria such as silver-resistant E. coli strains and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), viruses including CoV2, algae, fungi, and biofilm formation. Due to this catalytic working mechanism, AGXX qualifies for a new active substance class under the Biocidal Products Regulation: the so-called in situ generated free radicals from ambient air or water. As AGXX is not based on the release of harmful substances into the environment, it can be used today and in the future in accordance with the BPR.

In addition to regulatory compliance and broad antimicrobial efficacy, AGXX offers further advantages over conventional biocides. The biocidal substance, the ROS, is regenerated continuously, while the precious metals are not consumed over time. While conventional technologies are consumed or degrade over time, the reactive oxygen species are continuously generated on the catalytic surface, ensuring long-term antimicrobial efficacy of AGXX.

Application Areas

These properties make AGXX ideally suited to a wide range of applications, including polymers, textiles, filters, paints, and coatings. For these different application areas, Heraeus Precious Metals has developed a portfolio of particles with various carrier materials, particle sizes and forms (powder and suspension), allowing for easy application in all areas.

In paints and coatings, AGXX can be used for disinfecting production water, protecting systems during manufacturing from microbial infestation, and serving as a film preservative.

The upcoming presentation will showcase detailed test data across various application areas, demonstrating the long-term efficacy of AGXX.