Microbiology
These are typical questions asked by companies who are considering the use of Ultra-Fresh. Please click on any of the following questions in order to view the corresponding answer given in a general scope. Specific answers, relating to a particular application or type of treated product are not addressed by this web site. To discuss your specific application, please contact TRA or your local distributor.
- What is an antimicrobial treatment?
- What is the difference between the terms antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal?
- What are bacteria?
- What are fungi?
- What are dust mites?
- Why do we want to eliminate dust mites?
- Does Ultra-Fresh protect against viruses?
- Why would you want an antimicrobial treatment?
To view all the questions and answers in a single file, click here.
What is an antimicrobial treatment?
An antimicrobial treatment is applied to a fabric, plastic, wood, cement or other substance to make it resistant to the growth of the bacteria and fungi that cause stains, odours and rot.
What is the difference between the terms antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal?
Antimicrobial is a general term that refers to an agent or treatment which has either antibacterial or antifungal properties or both.
Antibacterial specifically refers to an agent or treatment which prevents the growth of bacteria.
Antifungal specifically refers to an agent or treatment which prevents the growth of fungi.
What are bacteria?
Bacteria are simple unicellular organisms which occur in all parts of the environment. Bacteria grow very quickly under warm, moist conditions. Some bacteria cause spoilage and odors, others cause infections and health issues. Ultra-Fresh is designed to inhibit the bacteria that cause spoilage, odours and stains.
What are fungi?
Fungi are single or multi-cellular organisms that obtain their nutrients from the breakdown of organic material, such as wood or even fabric. Fungi can cause product degradation (rotting), as well as create stains and odours. Yeasts, molds, mildew and mushrooms are all different types of fungi.
What are dust mites?
Dust mites are microscopic creatures, related to spiders, which thrive in the home environment, in items such as bedding, furniture, blinds, curtains and carpets. They commonly feed on flakes of shed human skin. Click here for more information on dust mites.
Why do we want to eliminate dust mites?
Dust mite excretions have been recognized as a significant cause of allergies and asthma. The object of Ultra-Fresh is to create an inhospitable environment for the mite in mattresses, furniture and other treated products. Reducing the number of mites can be part of a program of asthma and allergy control. Click here for more information on dust mites.
Does Ultra-Fresh protect against viruses?
Usually not. Viruses are not living organisms but are strings of protein which can attack living cells.
Why would you want an antimicrobial treatment?
- To protect products that are exposed to severe environments which can encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi. For example; exterior textiles used for tents and awnings.
- To treat consumer goods such as clothing to control bacteria that can cause perspiration odors and staining. For example; socks, underwear and active wear.
- As a marketing benefit which allows our customers to differentiate their products from others on the market.
- Against dust mites as part of a program of allergy and asthma control.