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Frequently Asked Questions about mPact

Details on How mPact Works

How does mPact work?

The active ingredient in the mPact antimicrobial forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer, which chemically bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the quaternary amine sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn't lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it.

What is the purpose of the silane portion of the molecule?

Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents, which can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface. This process modifies surface properties of building materials and transforms them to a material that will not support microbial growth. In other words, it is the "glue" that holds the "spike" to the surface.

What is the difference between mPact and other antimicrobials on the market?

Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism. They are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating building surfaces do a great job of getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited spectrum of effectiveness. The mPact technology takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, like the conventional methods, but it also provides long-term control of growth on treated surfaces – basically, for the life of that surface. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobially active for the normal life of the substrate onto which it is applied.

How long does the treatment last?

Since the cured antimicrobial is involatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. The life of the treated surface depends on a number of factors, not the least of which is surface preparation. If a dirty or unstable surface is treated, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial will decrease. Abrasive or caustic (pH 12.0) cleaners will also shorten effective life. In our experience, our applicators have seen effectiveness for the life of the substrate with normal housekeeping.

How is the mPact treatment maintained?

Normal cleaning of treated surfaces is necessary to prevent build up of dirt, dead microbes, etc. which could cover the treatment, prohibiting it from killing microorganisms.

Applying mPact

How is the mPact product applied?

Nano Tekon’s certified technicians match the latest application techniques to the specific project's scope of work following established protocols. Using those guidelines, technicians choose from wiping, coarse spraying/fogging, or an electrostatic application process. Hand-wiping is used for small jobs where spraying applications are not prudent – such as small, constricted areas or on a surface that requires delicate handling. Coarse spraying/fogging is used when a surface is very irregular and deep penetration is needed – carpet is a good example. Large areas generally require a process that which utilizes spray wands with nozzles that impart an electrostatic charge. This provides a very uniform and thorough coverage of the targeted surface.

What preparation is necessary prior to applying the treatment?

Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and any residue from cleaning agents must be rinsed from the surfaces to be treated. The final rinse should come off without any signs of dirt or foaming from the cleaners. mPact has developed a compatible cleaning product (mPerial) that also is a disinfectant. If used in tandem with the antimicrobial, a perfect combination of cleaner and antimicrobial is provided.

How should a contaminated surface be treated?

Microbes can be extremely hazardous. Severe contamination with hazardous organisms may require cleaning protocols similar to those for asbestos removal. For normal contamination, solid surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned before treatment. Soft surfaces such as carpets and upholstery should be well vacuumed or professionally cleaned. Insulation can be cleaned and treated if only superficial growth on the surface is present. Insulation that has heavy growth or is damp should be removed and replaced.

Is there re-growth after treatment?

mPact, because of its unique chemistry provides long-term protection against re-growth and future contamination on treated surfaces. Porous surfaces that are contaminated below the surface, will occasionally experience some re-growth after application – like grout if the space behind the wall is wet.

Scientific Details on mPact

Is the mPact technology a quaternary compound?

mPact is an organosilane, but part of the molecule is a quaternary amine. Unlike traditional quats, which have a very short effectiveness and a limited kill spectrum, mPact provides long‑term protection, and controls a very broad spectrum of microorganisms (including Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria). Plus, it is easier to use.

Is there a test method to determine if mPact is present?

The mPact technology is based on an active ingredient that, in most cases, can be easily detected.

Is mPact permeable to moisture?

Yes, moisture that is in or on the treated material or surface passes through the treatment. After curing, the treatment is somewhat hydrophobic (water repellent), but it should not be considered a replacement for commercial water repellents.

How does mPact react to commercial and residential carpets?

The newer solution dyed carpets are excellent with mPact. There have been some instances of slight color fade with certain acid dyes. All carpets and upholstery should be tested for dye fastness prior to treatment.

Does mPact give off gases during or after application?

No, it does not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. Its chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that lasts for the life of the treated surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment, although it can be abraded away if the surface comes into contact with a gritty compound.