SLV silver ion antimicrobial technology for broad-spectrum microbial control

Overview

SLV silver ion technology is a water-based antimicrobial active designed as an effective alternative to quaternary ammonium compounds. It delivers broad-spectrum efficacy against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and viruses, while maintaining a low silver loading that supports safety for people and the environment. In vitro testing indicates it is not an irritant on skin, and its stable, water-based formulation makes it straightforward to incorporate into a wide range of consumer and industrial products. Microbial adaptation to silver-based antimicrobials is rare, which enhances the long-term value of this approach for formulators seeking durable performance.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy – 3–5+ log reduction against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and a range of fungi at 30-minute contact time (ASTM E 2315-03)
• Antiviral performance – 3.87 log reduction against MS2 bacteriophage (a surrogate virus) at 5-minute contact time (ASTM E 1052:2020)
• Low silver loading – effective at low active levels, supporting safety for users and reduced environmental impact
• Water-based and stable – easy to formulate into diverse product matrices for consumer and industrial applications
• Non-irritant skin profile – in vitro testing shows no skin irritation
• Reduced resistance risk – silver ion mechanism makes microbial adaptation rare compared with conventional biocides

Technology readiness level

The technology has been validated through standardized in vitro antimicrobial testing against bacteria, fungi, and a viral surrogate. The next phase of the program will focus on performance testing and US regulatory clearance to enable use in consumer and industrial product applications. This positions SLV silver ion technology as an emerging antimicrobial active ready for formulation development and regulatory pathway advancement.