Company UK
· Effective against broad spectrum of microorganisms
· Eliminates microbial activity quickly
· No harmful metabolites are generated
Biofilms occur naturally in aquatic environments and host a variety of bacteria, viruses and fungi. The dental
profession is becoming increasingly aware and concerned that the lumen of small diameter pipes carrying
freshwater from operatory equipment to their patients are lined with biofilms. Such biofilms are a culture for
microorganisms which may detach from the biofilm and be inadvertently flushed into the oral cavity of the
patient; these microorganisms can range from relatively harmless to dangerous pathogens, which pose a significant
health hazard.
The Technology
This technology is the use of aqueous chlorine dioxide
solutions in disinfecting dental water unit lines and in
reducing and destroying bacteria in biofilms which
form on the inner walls of such water lines.
Benefits and Applications
Sterile dental equipment is extremely important in
dentistry and meticulous care is taken to ensure dental
instruments are sterilised to minimise bacterial
contamination. This is particularly important as
patients may often bleed as a consequence of dental
surgery which may increase the risk of infection.
However, cleaning and maintaining fresh water lines
thermal sterilisation free from microorganisms is inordinately difficult as
thermal sterilisation is not a practical option. This new
method can successfully reduce microorganisms in
biofilm and water quickly (30 mins). One initial
treatment is sufficient to eliminate biofilm and reduce
microbial numbers and continual decontamination
ensures a low pathogen count in the water lines.
Patent Status
A US patent has been granted.
