Bios Antibacterial®: the bioactive ceramics by Casalgrande Padana for human well-being

Bios Antibacterial® is the most advanced, exclusive generation of bioactive ceramics for certified, eco-compatible architectural applications, with antibacterial properties and the ability to respond to all kinds of requirements for applications indoors and outdoors, depending on the specific conditions of use.

In over 20 years of experimentation, this diversified offer, available across a variety of products, has made it possible to meet the creative requirements of designers and customers all over the world. This know-how and operating philosophy have allowed us to explore new avenues in the field of bioactive ceramics, experimenting with leading-edge technological solutions.

Bios Antibacterial® 

Bios Antibacterial® is the exclusive silver-based treatment #casalgrandepadana applies to its tiles, and which is able to eliminate 99% of the bacteria present on the ceramic surface.

The antibacterial capacity is permanently incorporated into the stoneware tiles, and is active at all times, both in the presence of light and in the dark; it does not require UV rays for activation. 

Bios Antibacterial® uses a silver ion technology that blocks the metabolism of bacteria, eliminating them and preventing them from spreading, with efficacy tested on the four main strains of bacteria. Following strict laboratory tests, Bios Antibacterial® proved capable of eliminating 99% of the four main strains of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Adopted as the standard because they represent the most aggressive category, in some cases even resistant to antibiotics, they are also the main bacteria responsible for infections in hospital environments. 

Unlike the most common disinfectants, a bactericidal product such as Bios Antibacterial® is able to guarantee continual protection against these micro-organisms in three ways: it interrupts cell metabolism, blocks the processes of transport into the membrane and prevents the multiplication of the cells.

Antibacterial approved by the European Union - BPR compliance

As it is a biocidal product, Bios Antibacterial® is compliant with the European Biocidal Products Regulation (EU BPR 528/2012), and may therefore be marketed by all countries in the European Union.

It is important to emphasise that products that do not meet the requisites cannot in any way be defined antibacterial, and that it is illegal for them to be marketed in Europe. The technology applied to ceramic tiles is also subject to an international reference standard of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), and certified by the German entity BAM (Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing).

The invisible action that protects you even after dark

The protective shield formed by Bios Antibacterial® is always active, day and night, with or without sunlight, and does not require UV rays for activation. The exclusive formula of Bios Antibacterial® guarantees excellent performance in all lighting conditions, and even in complete darkness. Bios Antibacterial® treatment is composed of the dispersion in water of silver nanoparticles, incorporated irreversibly into the ceramic tile during the production process.

A fresh smell of clean air

In addition to its bactericidal capacity, Bios Antibacterial® prevents the formation of mould, yeast and fungi, the main culprits of unpleasant odours, thus making settings healthier and with a more pleasant smell.

Unpleasant odours are among the causes that have the biggest impact on the quality of an environment, as well as a tangible sign of poor hygiene of the air and of surfaces.

In kitchens, bathroom areas and humid environments such as gyms, swimming pools and spas, unpleasant odours are created by a combination of germs and bacteria with organic micro-residue, which leads to the formation of stains and slimy deposits.

Biofilms attack tiles with resistant, foul-smelling mould, which not only makes them unpleasant to look at and difficult to clean, but also makes them less safe to walk on. Even with a complete absence of light, the antibacterial action of Bios Antibacterial® prevents the formation of mould, yeast and fungi, helps eliminate unpleasant odours and maintain the anti-slip properties of the tile, offering broad-ranging guarantees.

An in-depth treatment unaffected by wear and tear

Because the antibacterial treatment is permanently integrated into the ceramic product, the wear and tear of the flooring has no impact on the antibacterial performance of the tile.

The Bios Antibacterial® treatment is incorporated into the ceramic product before the firing stage, and thus irreversibly and permanently becomes an integral part of it. Unlike treatments applied cold, after the firing stage, Casalgrande Padana’s antibacterial treatment maintains lasting efficacy, and is unaffected by wear and tear.

The excellent mechanical resistance of porcelain stoneware also allows for vigorous periodic cleaning and maintenance cycles, guaranteeing a very long useful life for the product.

Products with Bios Antibacterial® added to them are suitable for an extraordinary range of applications in all fields, especially in environments subject to heavy foot traffic, such as shopping malls, airports, supermarkets, hospitals and schools, and for industrial flooring. 

Harmless to humans and the environment  

The active principle of Bios Antibacterial® is based on the use of silver, a material used in the production of everyday objects (cutlery, teapots, coins, ornaments), and renowned for its antibacterial properties since ancient times. Small amounts of the additive are sufficient to obtain an efficient treatment. Silver is also absolutely harmless for #health, non-allergenic in contact with the skin, and does not give off substances that are harmful for the environment.

Surfaces that look great and are easy to clean

Because they are naturally impermeable and non-porous, ceramic surfaces are quicker and easier to clean than other materials.

Constantly cleaning and disinfecting surfaces has become a priority, an everyday gesture that’s become part of our routine and essential not only for private settings, but above all for commercial and public premises that have large numbers of people passing through them.

Ceramic tiles are naturally hygienic, non-absorbent and impressively impermeable and non-porous. Thanks to their durability, any detergent can be used, making it easier to sanitise surfaces repeatedly throughout the day. It is important to stress that the antibacterial technology is not an alternative to the normal procedures for cleaning and sanitising healthcare environments, but it does make them easier and more complete and allows for a healthier level to be maintained between cleaning sessions.

The technology that accompanies your every move 

The large formats and the wide range of Casalgrande Padana porcelain stoneware tiles allow for the creation of extremely versatile solutions for designers, architects and interior designers to freely express their idea of architecture, in a wide variety of settings and application conditions.

Healthcare sectors, as well as the food and tourism industry, public areas and transport stations, and indeed homes and private settings, are increasingly called upon to tackle the often very unpleasant side effects of bacterial contamination.

An effective, safe, ecological solution comes from the world of ceramics, with the Bios Antibacterial® treatment now available on a selection of collections in the catalogue and, on request, for the whole #casalgrandepadana range.

 Bacterial and fungal contamination in food production chains are a source of serious concern. It is essential to boost hygiene in environments where food is present, such as restaurants, canteens, kitchen worktops, tables or counters. 

In sports and wellness settings, antibacterial surfaces guarantee greater hygiene and safety, and are a demonstration of attention towards customers.

Busy settings, such as shopping malls, airports, stations and workspaces, rapidly contribute to the global spread of multi-resistant germs. The use of antibacterial ceramics offers an efficient shield against the spread of bacteria.

A weakened, sensitive immune system requires maximum hygiene in all settings, especially healthcare environments and doctors’ surgeries.

Practical support for architects and designers 

The experience gained in over 60 years of operations all over the world allows #casalgrandepadana to offer professionals a huge amount of knowledge and all the information and assistance necessary for the correct #design, installation and maintenance of its products. Thanks to these skills, the company is open to collaborating with designers in a whole range of ways, in order to turn ceramic surfaces into an integrated, advanced system able to respond to the most demanding requests in terms of architectural quality, performance levels, durability and sustainability.