Byotrol says 'arrivederci' to algae in Venice
Byotrol, the UK company helping stop the spread of superbugs in hospitals and hygiene issues in food factories, has been called in to eliminate the persistent problem of algal growth on the iconic buildings and walkways of Venice, where its cleaning products are being utilised to clean and remove the algae, mould and mildew stains that are prone to gathering in every corner of the historical city.
With the approval of Dr Mario Scattolin, Dirigente Direzione Ambiene e Sicurezza del Territorio (Director for the Environment and Protection of the Territory of Venice), Byotrol was invited to conduct important trials within the city. This was a bold step as the use of chemicals on the Venetian buildings and walkways had previously been banned in the city prior to this trial.
Byotrol's technology is so attractive compared to sandblasting and other cleaning techniques because it will not have any detrimental effect on or cause erosion of the stone buildings involved in the trial which have been submerged in deep water for centuries. Originally developed to combat harmful organisms such as E.coli and MRSA found in the food and healthcare sectors, it is a broadband anti-microbial technology that couples ultra-low toxicity with residual efficacy. It offers a number of benefits over conventional mould and mildew stain removal treatments because it continues to work for extended periods after application.
In addition, the substance has an extremely low toxicity to humans and due to the functionality of the technology, development of resistance by micro-organisms is highly unlikely.
The trials, which have been in place since June, have already proven to show good results. Valentina Gasparini, liaising with the Venetian authorities, has been delighted with the project and is impressed with how visually clean the steps and slipways are after applying the Byotrol, saying: "The chances of slipping whilst using the steps was much reduced once Byotrol had been applied".
Dottore Mario Scattolin comments: "La Serenissima is a precious city, rich in history and iconic buildings and walkways of which we are very proud. Every year millions of Euros are spent on maintaining the cleanliness of this world heritage site and keeping it so beautiful.
"The decision to appoint Byotrol was based on using an anti-microbial technology that couples ultra low toxicity with residual efficacy with no detrimental effect on aquatic life. It was also of paramount importance that any technology utilised in the city would not affect landmarks of historical significance or people living in or visiting the city.
"Following regular inspections, we are absolutely delighted with the results of the trial to date as Byotrol has been highly effective at removing mould and algae and the areas tested have inhibited further growth. This product is extremely easy to use and delivers a long lasting and effective treatment for our city."
Paul Vasey, leading the trial for Byotrol added: "The Byotrol technology is extremely versatile and this latest application demonstrates how a core technology can be adapted to different scenarios. Importantly the technology is also extremely effective at eliminating the odours associated with stagnant water during the summer months. We believe our product offers a cost effective and easy to use application that will deliver real benefit to the people of Venice for years to come.
"This has been a very exciting and fascinating trial for the Byotrol team. We feel really honoured to be able to provide tangible results for this beautiful floating city and look forward to meeting with the Public Services Division of Venice to discuss the next phase of this pioneering project."
Using a combination of the laws of physics and chemistry to halt the march of bacteria, Byotrol has a three stage effect on micro-organisms (bugs) and it uses changes in surface tension as the basis of its attack on bacteria.
Surface tension has a huge effect on small things and a small effect on big things. The effects of Byotrol on the bugs are deadly, but the process only has a measurable effect on the tiniest of living organisms and is therefore harmless to humans and animals. Byotrol interferes with the conditioning of the surface, such as a wall or table, before the micro-organism lands, making it more difficult for the micro organism to settle on the surface and stay there and reproduce.
When the micro-organism secretes material in an attempt to form a biofilm, (ie what is needed for it to stick to the surface) the secretion compounds - proteins, polysaccharides or oily type materials - are all disrupted by the pervading surface tension regime, making it much more difficult or impossible for the bug to form a firm attachment to the surface.
Finally, the bug, in its weakened state, succumbs to the gentlest of biocidal action provided by the associated biocides contained within Byotrol. These are not heavy duty compounds, but when acting on such a tiny life form as a micro-organism, they cause the bug's membrane to burst before it has a chance to reproduce.
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20th September 2007