Bioflavonoids

What Are Bioflavonoids

Bioflavonoids are complex molecules described as secondary metabolites or polyphenolics and are found in all living plants. They are acidic in nature, usually very powerful antioxidants, used by plants to help protect against UV damage and are responsible for many functions within the plant such as signaling molecules, color, disease resistance, trace element transport, and growth.

Bioflavonoids are present in nature in very small amounts, and are almost insoluble in anything, which has hindered past development of formulations. Evolution Organics has identified several bioflavonoids that are particularly bioactive and have developed the technology to combine them into a water-soluble product (EvoTech 213), to produce a very powerful treatment for microbial control.

Traditional Technologies

Dry Ice blasting

Dry Ice Blasting is not a reactive process but relies on abrading the surface with fine dry ice particles and low temperature shock to kill mould and bacteria. It is effective at cleaning hard non-porous surfaces, and is residue free, but lacks the ability to penetrate porous surfaces like timber and has no residual action against micro-organisms. It is very slow and expensive and generates large amounts of carbon dioxide, so good ventilation during operation is necessary.

Won't kill Spores

Quaternary ammonium compounds “Quats”

Quats have been the most common available due to being inexpensive and easy to obtain, however they can be toxic and corrosive, and are generally not completely affective against many bacteria and moulds. Quats are a mildly reactive chemical and are not totally effective against viruses while also being deactivated by soils, surfaces such as paper, wood, and many chemicals. Quats do have some residual action to help protect the surface for a few days after treatment. Generally, buildings treated with Quats cannot be accessed for a day or so after treatment due to irritating effects of sprays and mists.

Won't kill Spores

Chlorine

Chlorine is very inexpensive but very dangerous. It’s a very reactive chemical and is corrosive on contact, bleaches most surfaces, and becomes ineffective very quickly. There is no residual performance with chlorine. Generally, operators must wear protective clothing and breathing equipment when applying, and buildings cannot be accessed for a lengthy period after treatment due to toxicity.

Chlorine Dioxide

Chlorine Dioxide solutions are more effective than chlorine and a little safer, but still present many problems. They bleach, are toxic by ingestion, and are deactivated by soils. If incorrectly applied and allowed to “Pool” or form puddles, Chlorine Dioxide can become unstable with the potential to explode. When used for the right application and with the correct technique, Chlorine Dioxide is an effective disinfectant and is active against most microbes including viruses but has very little residual activity.