Q & A

The active ingredient in the mPale antimicrobial forms a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer, which chemically bonds to the treated surface. You could think of it as a layer of electrically charged swords. When a microorganism comes in contact with the treated surface, the quaternary amine sword punctures the cell membrane and the electrical charge shocks the cell. Since nothing is transferred to the now dead cell, the antimicrobial doesn’t lose strength and the sword is ready for the next cell to contact it. Normal cleaning of treated surfaces is necessary to prevent build up of dirt, dead microbes, etc. which could cover the treatment, prohibiting it from killing microorganisms.

Silanes are extremely efficient bonding agents, which can be coupled to other molecules and then used to permanently bond those molecules to a target surface. This process modifies surface properties of building materials and transforms them into a material that will not support microbial growth. In other words, it is the “glue” that holds the “spike” to the surface.

A Quat are positively charged polyatomic ions of the structure. It disrupts the virus, bacteria etc, by use of chemicals. mPale is an organosilane, but part of the molecule is a quaternary amine. Unlike traditional quats, which have a very short effectiveness and limited kill spectrum, provides long-term protection, and controls a very broad spectrum of microorganisms (including Gram (+) and Gram (-) bacteria). Plus, it is easier to use.

Conventional products penetrate living cells and kill by way of poisoning the organism. They Save are designed to act quickly and dissipate quickly to avoid adverse effects to humans and animals due to their toxic ingredients. Most commercial antimicrobials used for treating building surfaces do a great job of getting a quick kill on bacteria and fungi, although most have a limited spectrum of effectiveness. The mPale technology takes a totally unique approach. It provides an effective initial microbial kill when applied, like the convention methods, but it also provides long term control of growth on treated surfaces…basically, for the life of the surface. The surface itself is modified to make it antimicrobially active for the normal life of the substrate onto which it is applied.

The mPale technology is based on an active ingredient that, in most cases, can be easily detected.

The newer solution dyed carpets are excellent with mPale. There have been some instances of slight color fade with certain acid dyes. All carpets and upholstery should be tested for dye fastness prior to treatment.

Yes, moisture that is in or on the treated material or surface passes through the treatment. After curing, the treatment is somewhat hydrophobic (water repellant), but it should not be considered a replacement for commercial water repellents.

No, it does not volatilize, dissipate, or leach onto other surfaces or into the environment. Its chemistry polymerizes where it is applied and forms a permanent bond that lasts for the life of the treated. Surface. Normal cleaning should not remove the treatment, although it can be abraded away if the surface comes into contact with a gritty compound.

Because mPale™ is a microscopic surface coating, the longevity of the product is directly related to the post maintenance of the treated surface. If you treat a dirty or unstable surface, when the dirt comes off or the surface is disturbed, the effectiveness of the antimicrobial will decrease. Abrasive or caustic (pH 12.0) cleaners will also shorten effective life. In our experience, our home office applicators have seen effectiveness for the life of the substrate with normal housekeeping. Since the cured antimicrobial is in volatile, insoluble, and non-leaching, the treatment should last for the life of the treated surface. The life of the treated surface depends on a number of factors, not that least of which is surface preparation.

mPale™, because of its unique chemistry, provides long term protection against re-growth and future contamination on treated surfaces. Porous surfaces, which are contaminated below the surface, will occasionally experience some growth, which breaks through a treated surface, like grout if the space behind the wall is wet.

Surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned and any residue from cleaning agents must be rinsed from the surfaces to be treated. The final rinse should come off without any signs of dirt or foaming from the cleaners. The product (mPerial™) that also is a disinfectant. Used in tandem with mPale, a perfect combination of cleaner and antimicrobial is initiated.

Microbes can be extremely hazardous. Severe contamination with hazardous organisms may require cleaning protocols similar to those for asbestos removal. For normal contamination, solid surfaces should be thoroughly cleaned before treatment. Soft surfaces such as carpets and upholstery should be well vacuumed or professionally cleaned. Insulation can be cleaned and treated if only superficial growth on the surface is present. Insulation that has heavy growth or is damp should be removed and replaced.

Certified mPale™ technicians match the latest application techniques to the specific project’s scope of work following established protocols. Using those guidelines, technicians choose from hand-wiping, coarse spray/fogging, or an electrostatic application process. Hand wiping is used for small jobs where spraying applications are not prudent- such as small, constricted areas or on a surface that requires delicate handling. Coarse spraying/fogging is used when a surface is very irregular and deep penetration is needed – carpet is a good example. Large areas most generally will require the use of the electrostatic charge to provide a very uniform and thorough coverage of the targeted surface.

Whichever application process is used, the treated surface is protected with the proven mPale with AEGIS microbe Shield Technology.