Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes Microbecide® and Where can I buy it?

Microbecide® brand antimicrobial products are manufactured by World Changing Technologies Pte Ltd at their GMP compliant, ISO-Class 7 certified manufacturing facility in Kallang Basin Industrial Park in Singapore.

Microbecide® brand products are available in dental clinics, pharmacies, retail outlets and veterinary clinics Click here for the shop or clinic nearest to you. It is distributed by authorized distributors (List of Distributors), or can be purchased on-line (Click here).

What does Microbecide® claim to kill?

Microbecide® is a broad-spectrum health defense agent. It is highly effective against the enterovirus group which includes polioviruses, echoviruses and new, emerging viruses such as Swine Flu, H5N1 and SARS. Other enteroviruses such as the deadly EV71 enterovirus, and the coxsackievirus A16, the most common cause of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Microbecide® quickly kills the routinely quoted gram negative and gram-positive bacteria, including resistant strains such as MRSA and VRE, as well as the much more restive encapsulated bacteria such as Tuberculosis and Trichophyton Mentagrophytes (the fungus responsible for the spread of Athletes Foot).  Microbecide® kills microorganisms that cause infections routinely occurring in schools, prison systems, athletic facilities, health clubs, day care centers, doctors offices, long term care health centers and other environments where there may be "at risk" concentrations of people. Microbecide® defends you and your family against other microbial threats such as Swine Flu, Avian Influenza, Influenza A, Herpes, HIV Type I, Listeria, E-coli, and Salmonella.

What proof or test reports supports these kill claims?

Microbecide® Sensitivity Test for Killing the H5N1 Virus, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakornpathom 73140, Thailand, March 12, 2009

Microbecide® Sensitivity Test for Killing the H5N1 Virus (In Thai), Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakornpathom 73140, Thailand, March 12, 2009

Microbecide® Technical Report No. AM 07/014, Determination of the antimicrobial activity of an I&I disinfectant containing Microbecide, Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC #6538, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ATCC#15442, Escherichia coli ATCC #10536, Corynebacterium Minultissimum ATCC#23348, Yeast: Candida Albicans ATCC#10231 Ciba Labs, Frankfurt, Germany, 03 Dec, 2007

Microbecide® SentroTec Analytical Laboratory Test Report, Determination of the antimicrobial activity of Microbecide against Staphylococcus Aureus, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Enteritidis, Listeria Monocytogenes, SentroTec, Mandaluyong City, Philippines, 30 March, 2009

Final Study Report, Virucidal Efficacy of a Disinfectant for Use on Inanimate Environmental Surfaces, Virus: Influenza A virus, ATCC VR-544, Strain Hong Kong, AppTec Laboratory Services, 2540 Executive Drive St. Paul, MN 55120, USA, January 17, 2002

Final Study Report, Virucidal Efficacy of a Disinfectant for Use on Inanimate Environmental Surfaces, Virus: Poliovirus type 2, ATCC VR-1002, Strain Lansing, AppTec Laboratory Services, 2540 Executive Drive St. Paul, MN 55120, USA, February 12, 2002

Final Study Report, Virucidal Efficacy of a Disinfectant for Use on Inanimate Environmental Surfaces, Virus: Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1, Strain HTLV-III_B , AppTec Laboratory Services, 2540 Executive Drive St. Paul, MN 55120, USA, December 20, 2001

Final Study Report, Virucidal Efficacy of a Disinfectant for Use on Inanimate Environmental Surfaces, Virus: Herpes simplex virus type 1, ATCC VR-733, Strain F(1), AppTec Laboratory Services, 2540 Executive Drive St. Paul, MN 55120, USA, February 12, 2002

Final Report, AOAC Use Dilution Test, Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC #6538, Salmonella Choleraesuis ATCC #10708, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ATCC #15442, MicroBioTest, Inc 105B Carpenter Drive, Sterling, VA 20164, USA, 09 Nov, 1999

Final Report, AOAC Use Dilution – Carrier Confirmation, Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC #700698, Enterococcus faecium (VRE) ATCC #700221, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC #19111, Escherichia coli OH 157 ATCC #43888, Nelson Laboratories, Inc. 6280 South Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123, USA, 10 Jan, 2002

Final Study Report, Virucidal Efficacy of a Disinfectant for Use on Inanimate Environmental Surfaces, Virus: Rhinovirus type R37, ATCC VR-1147, Strain 151-1, AppTec Laboratory Services, 2540 Executive Drive St. Paul, MN 55120, USA, February 12, 2002

Final Report, Fungicidal Activity of a Disinfectant, Fungi: Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC#9533, Nelson Laboratories, Inc. 6280 South Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123, USA, 11 Jan, 2002

Final Report, Kill Time Study for Propionibacterium Acnes, Nelson Laboratories, Inc. 6280 South Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123, USA, 05 Feb, 2002

Final Report, Evaluation for Residual Activity, Nelson Laboratories, Inc. 6280 South Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City, Utah 84123, USA, 08 Feb, 2002.

How does Microbecide® work?

Historically, the principal limitation of ionic silver products has been the propensity of the silver ions to "precipitate" or "fall" out of the solute phase, resulting in a rapid reduction of ionic concentration rendering the products ineffective. Advanced ionic silver technology employed in the manufacture of Microbecide® overcomes this limitation. This advanced molecular technology allows us to engineer Microbecide® with higher stability and create a molecular bond that makes the silver ions more bio-available, dramatically increasing their antimicrobial action.
Researchers have known of silver ion’s germ-fighting effects for decades, but only with the development of the electron microscope coupled with advances in nanotechnology, have scientists started to unlock the mystery of ions and understand why silver ions work so well. Germs have three vulnerable targets:
  (1) the germ’s outer membrane
  (2) its internal components
  (3) its delicate gene pool

Microbecide® attacks all three vulnerable areas simultaneously.
 Uptake: The organism is attracted to the organic acid base of Microbecide® as a carbon or food source, taking up the silver ions.
Proteins: Silver ions readily bind with electron donor groups (enzymes) blocking the cell respiration pathway and interfering with components of the microbial transport system.
Cell Wall: Silver ions disrupt the metabolic and/or structural proteins on the organism’s cell membrane causing lysing (bursting of the cell wall).
Replication: Silver ions denature the cell’s DNA or RNA halting metabolic and reproductive functions.

These multimodal actions are what makes Microbecide® such an effective and broad spectrum health defense agent, effective even against resistant strains of microbes. Microbecide® deactivates structural and metabolic membrane proteins causing the cell wall to explode (lyse) leading to microbial death. Germs view Microbecide® as a food source, allowing the silver ion to enter the microbe. Once inside the organism, the silver ion denatures (alters) the DNA, which halts the microbe's ability to replicate and leads to its death. Almost no bacterial or viral microorganisms have demonstrated effective resistance to silver ions.

What is Microbecide®?

Microbecide® silver ion complex is a safe, natural, highly effective health defense against harmful, contagious germs. Microbecide® is composed of natural raw materials (silver ions, pure water, organic acid). Microbecide® kills harmful bacteria, viruses and fungi to provide you and your family unparalleled effectiveness, safety and protection against dangerous, contagious health threats such as Swine Flu emerging today.

How Do I Use Microbecide®?

Microbecide® Silver ion complex Application & Use Instructions
Contact Time:   Apply Microbecide® silver ion complex to areas or objects to be treated.  The area or object must be completely covered with Microbecide® silver ion complex for 30 seconds. May wipe dry with a clean towel. This contact time will not control all organisms, refer to the following for additional organisms.

Cleaning Procedure:   Organic debris and body fluids must be thoroughly cleaned from areas and objects to be treated before application of Microbecide® silver ion complex.

24 Hour Residual Protection:   When used as directed, Microbecide® silver ion complex provides protection from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella choleraesuis up to 24 hours after initial application.

Bacterial Control:   For general protection and defense against the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella choleraesuis, Listeria monocytogenes, Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) the area or object to be treated must be completely covered with Microbecide® silver ion complex for 2 minutes.  May wipe dry with a clean towel.

Viral Control:   To kill Herpes Simplex Type 1 F(1) Strain Influenza A Virus, Hong Kong strain, Rhinovirus R37 Strain 151-1, Polio Virus Type 2 Lansing Strain The area or object to be treated must be completely covered with Microbecide® silver ion complex for 10 minutes. May wipe dry with a clean towel.

Kills HIV-1 on pre-cleaned objects/areas soiled with body fluids/blood in health care settings or other settings in which there is an expected likelihood of soiling of objects/areas with body fluids or blood, and in which the objects or areas likely to be soiled with body fluids or blood can be associated with the potential for transmission of HIV.

Personal Protection: When handling items soiled with body fluids or blood,  use appropriate barrier protection such as latex gloves, condoms, gowns, masks or eye coverings. 

Disposal of Infectious Materials: Body fluids and blood should be autoclaved and disposed of according to governmental regulations for infectious waste disposal.

Fungal Control:   For effective control of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes, the area or object to be treated must be completely covered with Microbecide® silver ion complex for 10 minutes. May wipe dry with a clean towel. Re-apply when cleaning or when new growth appears.

What are germs?

Germs are microscopic organisms. Surfaces located in public areas are breeding grounds for germs. When a person's hand touches these surfaces, then touches their eyes, nose or mouth infection may occur. As a result of an infection cells in the body can be damaged causing disease. Microbecide® is proven to kill many germs in 30 seconds thereby avoiding infection and disease.

What are MRSA and VRE?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA or Staph) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) are two of the most widespread antibiotic-resistant pathogens that cause hospital/public facility-acquired infections. Unfortunately, in recent times, these infections have also led to the deaths of both young and old alike. Microbecide® is effective against VRE and strains of MRSA including CA-MRSA (community-associated MRSA) and PVL-MRSA (Panton - Valentine Leukocidin MRSA). PVL is a toxin, which destroys white blood cells, and can kill within 24 hours of reaching the lungs.

What are antibiotic resistant bacteria?

When a microorganism becomes resistant to an antimicrobial agent, it has learned how to fortify the specific target that the agent attacks. Antibiotic resistant bacteria are bacteria which are no longer inactivated by antibiotic levels currently considered to be clinically effective. Bacteria strains that are resistant to antibiotics (Methicillin and Vancomycin) include: Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin Intermediate Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VISA) and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE).

Are there any surfaces that Microbecide® should NOT be used on?

Care should be taken when applying to calcium carbonate (marble) surfaces that are not sealed. Just as any acidic substance can discolor marble, the citric acid component of Microbecide® may chemically bond with the calcium and can remove any color in the corbonate.

How should Microbecide® be applied?

The best practice is to follow the label instructions specific to contact time. The label informs you how long you must let Microbecide® remain wet (contact time) on the surface before wiping it off with a clean cloth or towel. Other best practices would include applying Microbecide® to hard surfaces (bathrooms, counter tops, lockers, door handles and any nonporous surface or equipment that may be at risk for infection) that could come into contact with a bacterial, viral or fungal threat.

How often should Microbecide® be applied?

It is recommended that Microbecide® be applied after the surface is cleaned or at least once per day. Following cleaning, the residual disinfectant properties of Microbecide® cease (be mindful that most disinfectants have little to no residual disinfectant properties after they are applied). In the case of young children’s toys or equipment, is it recommended that Microbecide® be applied before and after each use.

Will Microbecide® discolor or harm surfaces in any way?

The product does not harm or discolor hard surfaces when used as directed.

How long does Microbecide® continue to work after it is applied to a surface?

When evenly distributed by wiping with a clean, dry cloth, Microbecide® lays down a protective "Active Surface" kill barrier that provides 24 hours of continuous protection against recontamination by dangerous microorganisms.

How long can Microbecide® be stored?

Microbecide® has been proven to be stable for more than twelve (12) months under actual warehouse conditions. For practical applications, we recommend that Microbecide® be replaced after six (6) months of storage.

Does Microbecide® need to be mixed?

Microbecide® is a ready-to-use formula for consistent efficacy every time. No mixing is required.

Can I use Microbecide® on children's toys & around food preparation areas?

Microbecide® is safe, non-toxic and can be used on children's toys and play surfaces as well as around food preparation areas and equipment.

Is Microbecide® a cleaner?

Microbecide® will clean up water soluble spills such as juice, but is not formulated to clean up greasy messes. If a surface needs to be cleaned, a cleaning product should be applied first followed by a rinse and then Microbecide® applied as a final disinfecting step.

Does Microbecide® contain hazardous chemicals?

No, all of the ingredients in Microbecide® are non-toxic to people, plants and animals.

How much area will Microbecide® cover?

A 500ml bottle will disinfect approximately 10 square meters.

What is "broad spectrum efficacy”?

The most commonly quoted authority is the US Environmental Agency (USEPA). The USEPA definition of a “broad spectrum” antimicrobial is one that has public health claims for all three of the major classes of organisms.

• Bacteria – effective against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria
• Fungi – effective against at least one pathogenic fungi (usually Trichophyton mentagrophytes)
• Viruses – effective against pathogenic viruses (at least one enveloped virus such as Influenza A and one non-enveloped virus such as Adenovirus)

What is a ‘public health’ claim?

A public health claim is control of a microorganism which is pathogenic to humans. Identifying a human pathogenic organism constitutes a public health claim. Staphylococcus aureus is an example of a pathogenic organism. A non-public health claim is the control of a non-human pathogen. For example, an animal pathogen such as canine parvovirus, an aesthetic claim such as swimming pool algaecide, control against bacteria that causes spoilage, deterioration or fouling of materials such as paint or industrial fluids.

What is the difference between a disinfectant and a sanitizer?

There is a general misunderstanding by the consuming public as to the difference between a disinfectant and a sanitizer; the perception being that they are equally effective. Sanitizers are not considered broad spectrum by USEPA’s definition since they are only meant to reduce bacteria levels.

Factually sanitizers only kill a percentage of bacteria (99.99% often advertised) while a disinfectant kills 100%. Sanitizers are therefore only effective at reducing the number of organisms present on a surface, leaving the remaining organisms to quickly reproduce after the sanitizer's application.

What are fungicides and virucides?

Fungicides kill fungus, and virucides kill viruses. Microbecide® is both a Fungicide and Virucide.

What is the difference between a bacteria and a virus?

Viruses are tiny infectious agents that can only reproduce inside a living cell. Outside of a living cell, a virus is dormant, but once inside it takes over the resources of the host cell and begins the production of more virus particles. For example, Herpes is a virus. Bacteria are one-celled living organisms. Bacteria are many times larger then viruses. All bacteria are surrounded by a cell wall. They can reproduce independently, and inhabit virtually every environment on earth, including soil, water, hot springs, ice packs, and the bodies of plants and animals. As an example, Staph is a bacterium. Gram-positive bacteria are those that are stained dark blue or violet by gram staining. It includes many well-known genera such as Bacillus, Listeria, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Clostridium. Gram-negative bacteria are not affected by the stain. Proteobacteria are a major group of Gram-negative bacteria, including for instance Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and other Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas, Moraxella, Helicobacter, Stenotrophomonas, Bdellovibrio, acetic acid bacteria and Legionella.

Why is there sometimes a tackiness/stickiness after Microbecide® has been applied to a surface?

The surface may become "tacky" if you exceed the recommended contact time on the surface. Microbecide® may leave a slight residue that if allowed to dry, will feel a little sticky. Simply reapply Microbecide® and wipe the surface with a clean cloth or towel.