TouchPoint is a clear and durable surface protectant. It works by forming a mono-molecular bond and breathable film on surfaces, creating an invisible hydrophobic barrier to help keep surfaces both dry and clean.
 
The immobilization of an antimicrobial agent provides significant advantages over conventional antimicrobials. Since the activity is not dependent upon the release and diffusion of the antimicrobial molecule, the activity remains constant over time. Moreover, the active molecule is localized in highly concentrated form on the treated surface. Since this is where proliferation of microbes occurs, the antimicrobial is effectively delivered specifically to the environment of importance. This not only extends the potency of the agent, but also minimizes the risk of the development of resistance. Indeed, scientists were able to demonstrate that resistance and adaptation do not occur. Moreover, the permanent attachment of the antimicrobial molecule to the surface avoids the potential exposure risks associated with conventional antimicrobials.
 
Quaternary-functional, reactive siloxanes work through a two-step process. First, the hydrophobic alkyl chain inserts into the similarly hydrophobic cell wall of an organism that it comes in contact with. As the alkyl chain penetrates the delicate cell wall, the wall is weakened. Second, as the cationic quaternary ammonium group comes in contact with the cell wall it disrupts the ion flow and causes leakage into or out of the cell wall, usually resulting in the cell losing its contents or actually bursting. The charged quaternary ammonium alkyl group remains unchanged and is available to repeat the process indefinitely.
 
Quaternary-functional, reactive siloxanes are much more potent than a non--silylated quaternary ammonium compound because the silyl group bonds to surfaces (and itself) and causes the antimicrobial portion to become locally concentrated. Thus, it is not a single molecule responsible for cell death, but an enormous amount of molecules all working in unison.
 
A significant limitation of a quat-functional, reactive siloxane was its instability in water. The coupling-portion of the molecule, an alkoxysilane, is necessarily reactive toward hydroxyl groups (OH-). This is what imparts the ability to bond to surfaces. However, the alkoxysilane is also reactive toward water and polymerizes to form a silicone polymer. Water solutions of the antimicrobial are unstable and degrade to a gummy precipitate within a matter of days. This was an enormous problem for the marketability of the product. The antimicrobial had to be supplied in a methanol-based solution (making it both toxic and flammable) and applied under carefully controlled conditions by certified applicators.
 
Understanding Water-Stable, Quaternary-Functional, Reactive Siloxanes: Enviroguard has a system of stabilizing quaternary-functional, reactive siloxanes in water by giving the molecule an alternative to polymerization. TOUCHPOINT™ is shelf- stable for a minimum of 24 months and provides identical mono-molecular bonding and antimicrobial characteristics to coated surfaces as their non-water-stable predecessors. Moreover, the stabilization system results in a product that is compatible at various pH levels and with a number of additives and solvents. The technology has tremendous significance in the practical usefulness of TOUCHPOINT™.
 
FUNCTION
Inhibition of microbes is achieved by the quaternary portion of the TOUCHPOINT™ molecule. Once bound to the surface, the quaternary portion of the molecule orients to solubilize the cell membrane of the microbe. This unique characteristic is called NanoPuncture™ Technology. Once solubilized, the internal fluids of the cell “leak” leaving no support for the organelles of the cell, thus killing the microbe. This is the same process by which unbound quaternary systems use to disinfect.
 
BONDING
TOUCHPOINT achieves its durability through the cross-linking or adhesion of the siloxane portion of the molecule with the substrate. It has the highest affinity for substrates containing active hydrogen or hydroxyl groups on the surface being protected. In this scenario, a hydrolysis and condensation reaction occurs covalently bonding the siloxane portion of the molecule to the substrate. Examples of the substrates are natural products like: natural fibers, leather, wood, stone and masonry. When there are no or few active hydrogen or hydroxyl groups present, TOUCHPOINT adheres to most surfaces. With this in mind, higher concentrations (0.5% to 1.0% of active ingredient) are needed to achieve optimal efficacy. Examples of the substrates are products like: synthetic fibers/surfaces, metals, and glass products (see “Application & Substrates" for more information).
 
RESULTS
TOUCHPOINT is an antimicrobial-protected sealant* that when applied to most surfaces, prevents the growth of microorganisms like mold, mildew, algae, odor-causing bacteria on its surface to help keep surfaces cleaner. The image of the Petri Dish above clearly demonstrates a central point of inhibition of each inoculated organism. The image in the lower right-hand corner is a control where no TOUCHPOINT was applied to the petri dish. 
 
*Treated Articles Exemption - This product contains an EPA registered antimicrobial to protect the coating from non-public health fungi and odor causing bacteria. No public health claims are being made.
 
STUDIES
The second petri dish study (above) clearly demonstrates the lack of growth of bacteria taken directly from the feet of plant workers after a 9-hour shift. The incubation was conducted over a 66 hour time period, and the fabric swatches were washed 8 times to check for durability.
 
Note: The fabric in the upper right hand corner is 100% ribbed cotton. Because of the ribbing, portions of the cotton did not touch the Petri dish. This clearly demonstrates TOUCHPOINT as a non-leaching technology.