Antimicrobial Surface Coatings Can Be Effective Against Viruses

Alistagen Corporation, a New York-based biotechnology company, announced that Caliwel™ BNA, an EPA-approved non-toxic, natural mineral-based antimicrobial and antiviral surface coating it has been offering since 2002, is effective against the influenza virus. Through independent laboratory testing, Caliwel BNA demonstrated 99.9% effectiveness against more than 20 microorganisms that cause influenza, asthma, allergies, staph infection, poliomyelitis, hepatitis, cholera and Legionnaires' disease. The coating has also been found effective against the influenza virus and remains active against these microorganisms for up to 6 years.

Bryan Glynson, Chief Executive Officer of Alistagen, stated: "This product represents a breakthrough in killing microorganisms responsible for a range of infectious diseases, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic."

Glynson added: "The technology behind this product application represents an entirely new category for infectious disease control. With 20,000 completed Caliwel BNA applications, the product has been proven, and we are confident that Caliwel's use in disease prevention will provide untold benefits to people everywhere. Painting or coating an area with Caliwel BNA decontaminates the space. Caliwel BNA has both sufficient calcium hydroxide and moisture to kill any organism on the coated surface, whether virus, spore, mold, fungus or bacteria." According to Glynson's statement, through the calcium hydroxide it contains, Caliwel BNA, even if it does not completely kill an organism, which is a very small possibility, traps it on the surface painted or coated with this product. Caliwel works with its Bi-Neutralizing Agent (BNA), which utilizes the microorganism-killing power of calcium hydroxide (Ca[OH₂]) in a new, multiply patented, microencapsulated formulation. The high alkalinity of Ca(OH)₂, used for centuries to combat disease, naturally kills microorganisms. The encapsulation process makes the Ca(OH)₂ coating resistant to degradation for up to 6 years while maintaining its antimicrobial effectiveness. Pointing out that architectural surfaces rank among the leading carriers in disease transmission, Glynson stated: "In light of the current pandemic and future outbreaks, every architectural environment, from schools to hospitals, from homes to offices, needs antiviral Caliwel BNA."