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Cufitec™ antiviral and antibacterial technology
cufitecA myriad of viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms exist around us. While there are beneficial microorganisms and microorganisms that can coexist with humans, there are also microorganisms that pose a threat to humans, animals, and plants, and it is necessary to take countermeasures with respect to them.
NBC Meshtec developed the CufitecTM technology with the aim of enabling all people to enjoy clean and comfortable living with respect to invisible threats, such as viruses and bacteria.
Features
Antiviral & Antibacterial technology that applies monovalent copper compounds
Cufitec™ is NBC Meshtec’s proprietary, patented antiviral/antibacterial technology that applies monovalent copper compound nanoparticles.
It can process various materials and is available for a wide range of applications.
*Cufitec™ is not always effective for all viruses and bacteria.
1. Cufitec™ is effective with respect to a variety of microorganisms.
2. Cufitec™ can reduce viruses and bacteria in a short time.
3. Cufitec™ can prevent viruses and bacteria from accumulating and spreading by reducing them.
Antiviral & Antibacterial mechanism of Cufitec™
1. When monovalent copper compound nanoparticles collide with viruses and bacteria, monovalent copper ions are eluted into water
2. Monovalent copper ions react with oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species
3. The two forces of copper ions and active oxygen reduce viruses and bacteria.
Reason why monovalent copper compounds are adopted
Copper is a metal very familiar in our daily lives and has long been known for its antimicrobial effect. Examples are: putting a 10-yen coin in a vase makes flowers live longer, and a corner sink strainer made of copper is less likely to get slimy.
In the course of researching antiviral agents, we discovered that, of the various copper compounds, monovalent copper compound have high antiviral property.
Monovalent refers to the chemical state of copper; metallic copper contained in 10-yen coins is zero-valent, while green-rusted copper (verdigris), such as a bronze statue, is bivalent. Monovalent copper produces active oxygen in the process of it changing to stable-state bivalent copper. We adopted monovalent copper compounds for Cufitec™ because a high antiviral/antibacterial property can be expected from the power of the copper ions and active oxygen.
Difference between a silver-based antibacterial agent and Cufitec™
A general silver-based antimicrobial agent is highly effective mainly with respect to bacteria with the help of the action of silver ions. On the other hand, Cufitec™ shows a high effect with respect to not only bacterial but also viruses with the combination of copper ions and active oxygen.
Difference between a photocatalyst Cufitec™
A photocatalyst, like Cufitec™, manifests an antiviral/antibacterial effect by producing active oxygen. A photocatalyst cannot show this effect in a dark place without light because it, by its principle, causes a reaction in a place with light and produces active oxygen. Contrary to this, Cufitec™ can exhibit an antiviral/antibacterial effect even in an environment without light.
Products
Applications/Adoption Examples
Application examples
Consumer electronics
Building materials and paints
Fabrics such as synthetic leather
Client
Adoption Examples
Support Information
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If you have any questions or comments about Cufitec®, please feel free to contact us. We will make proposals according to your concerns and wishes regarding microbiological control measures.