A new category / concept in biosecurity for veterinary medicine has recently been introduced to the marketplace. What makes this a new category? Not your routine disinfectant, Si-Quats are used as a final antimicrobial finish. The interesting feature here is the length and durability of the antimicrobial effect. After application and drying, Si-Quats form a durable polymer that has antimicrobial activity for 30-90 days. They have been shown to prevent regrowth and cross contamination. Si-Quats can be used to enhance and reinforce a biosecurity program as the Si-Quat continues to kill microbes for up to 90 days. Routine cleaning and disinfecting will not disrupt the microbe-killing polymer.
S-Quats do not have a chemical kill like disinfectants but a mechanical kill by rupturing the microbial cell wall. It does not leech into or contaminate the environment. Si-Quats are used on a variety of surfaces including stone and ceramic, cotton and wool, vinyl, aluminum, stainless steel, wood, rubber, plastic and formica.
Approved by the EPA, Si-Quats are a surface antimicrobial with durable bacteriostatic (gram positive and gram negative) fungistatic and algistatic activity. They are not labeled for viruses, however there is research showing efficacy against enveloped viruses. There is also research showing prevention of biofilm formation. - Scott Pierce DVM
