Attributes of Aspertico+

The formulation of Aspertico is based on a quaternary ammonium compound active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Its activity as a biocide is enhanced by the inclusion of two surface-active agents and a cation-scavenging agent. This combination is synergistic i.e. the combination is much more active than that of the individual components either alone or added together.  The combination is able to kill both bacteria and viruses.
The list of susceptible bacteria and viruses is:

The list of susceptible bacteria and viruses is:

In each case Aspertico has been evaluated according to EN 1040 (bacteria) or EN 1650 (fungi and yeasts) or EN 13704 and EN 1276. For EN1040 viability of the test organism was reduced by at least 5 logs in contact with Aspertico (20% v/v) for 5 minutes at 20°C in the presence of bovine albumin. For EN 1650 viability of the test organism was reduced by 4 logs in contact with Aspertico (20% v/v) in 5 minutes at 20°C in the presence of bovine albumin. For EN 1276 viability of various test organisms (Esch.coli, Staph.aureus and Enterococcus hirae) was reduced by at least 5 logs in contact with Aspertico over a range of concentrations (20-80% v/v). For EN 13704 viability of spores of Bacillus subtilis was reduced by at least 3 logs in contact with Aspertico (20-80% v/v) in 5 minutes at 20°C.  The reductions in bacterial and viral viability are significant and will under both clean and dirty conditions effectively reduce the chances of exposure to these micro-organisms leading to infection. Use of Aspertico by healthcare staff will also reduce the incidence of transfer of infection between patients.

Aspertico is biocidal even at concentrations as low as 1% v/v and whilst the development of resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds is present in several causative agents of HAI (Staph.aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) the possibility of using Aspertico at concentration >1% without causing any side effects (skin sensitisation, irritancy) could prevent the emergence of resistance during use of the product.

Some attempt has been made to determine which components contribute most to the active formulation of Aspertico whilst retaining its eco-friendly and safety profile. The main advantages of Aspertico is that it is water-based, biodegradable , non corrosive and safe with no adverse effects on the user. Virucidal activity is provided by the inclusion of metasilicate with some enhacement by NTA (a cation scavenger). The quaternary ammonium compounds provide strong antibacterial activity enhanced somewhat by the inclusion of a surface active agent. The following table illustrates the contribution made by each component.