How do Antimicrobials work?

Antimicrobials disrupt and prevent the growth of microorganisms, especially pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Antimicrobials create an inhospitable environment for these microorganisms.

Antimicrobial agents can be natural or synthetic substances.

Natural antimicrobials can be found in herbs and spices such as :

• Rosemary

• Sage

• Basil

• Oregano

• Thyme

• Cardamom

• Clove

In fruits and veg such as:

• Guava

• Pepper

• Cabbage

• Garlic

• Onion

• Citrus

And in seeds and leaves such as :

• Grape seeds

• Fennel

• Nutmeg

• Parsley

• Olive leaves

Some examples of synthetic antimicrobial drugs include sulphonamides, cotrimoxazole, and quinolones.

Depending on the antimicrobial, the way they destroy microorganisms varies. For example, antibacterials attack a disease process by destroying the structure of bacteria.

Disinfectants destroy the cell walls of microbes or interfere with their metabolism.

With the HYGI Metal, we use copper which has antimicrobial properties. When microbes land on copper, ions blast the pathogen preventing all respiration and punching holes in the cell membrane or viral coating and create free radicals that accelerate the kill, especially on dry surfaces.

Copper can be used in a number of different settings to help create safer environments, mainly through high touch surfaces that when usually made from stainless steel can harbour many harmful pathogens. HYGI products contain copper so they can kill pathogens, but they still look like stainless steel so you won't have to compromise on design.

If you'd like to introduce HYGI products into your environment don't hesitate to get in touch to see what we can create for you.