All these microbiological processes can take place in microhabitats on plastic surfaces. The combination of high compatibility with the polymeric substrate and the high level of activity ensures long lasting efficacy typically for the useful life of the article. The Agar Diffusion Test is one way to analyze the efficacy of an antimicrobial additive incorporated into plastics. Colonies of bacteria are spread across the entire Petri dish in case of the specimen without Irgaguard B 1000. In case of the specimen including the additive a clear zone of inhibition can be observed.
Most bacterial infections occur either at home or in community sanitation.
Especially in areas which are used frequently by different people the hygienic integrity between the cleaning cycles becomes very important. Sanitary examples as summarized in Fig. 5 are typical application for the beneficial use of an antimicrobial. This bacteria are known for their pathogenic character. The outcome of the SCF is published on the Internet and this recommendation should be transferred in the 6 th amendment by end 2000 - beginning 2001. The ZI drops from 18 mm to 15 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and from 11 mm to about 8 mm for Escherichia coli.