Ford Research and the University of Michigan Find Agion® Antimicrobial Significantly Effective in Inhibiting Microbe Growth on Interior Auto Surfaces

Wakefield, MASS., December 4,2012 –Researchers at FordMotor Company, a global automotive industry leader, partnered with the University of Michigan to evaluate the concentration and growth of microbes in vehicles in order to identify possible ways to combat the undesirable effects on vehicle surfaces. During the study, Ford researchers chose Agion^® branded antimicrobial by Sciessent as an additive to treat the most contaminated surfaces. Results showed that Agion antimicrobial was effective in inhibiting microbial growth with long lasting performance.

The collaborative testing conducted by engineers from the Ford Research and Innovation Center in Dearborn, and a team from the University of Michigan (U-M) led by microbial ecologist Dr. Blaise Boles, revealed the following findings:

• Operating in various conditions, cars and trucks can become a breeding ground for a variety of microorganisms that cause odors and discoloration of a vehicle’s interior surfaces. These microscopic organisms including mold and mildew can quickly grow and spread over a variety of surfaces leading to a spread of bacteria, discoloration, and even unpleasant odors.
• The microbial hot spots of a vehicle’s interior includes the much touched steering wheel, and the console area, a common location for spilled drinks that provide an ideal feeding ground for microbes.

• When added to surface paints used throughout the interior, Agion antimicrobial significantly inhibited microbe growth.
• Agion antimicrobial proved long lasting even after simulating many years of use. Agion also had little impact on the gloss and color change of the surfaces over the test period.

Agion branded antimicrobial technology is based on elemental ions and makes products cleaner and longer lasting by providing built-in protection against damaging microbes. Unlike sprays that are useful short term, Agion’s antimicrobial solution provides continuous surface protection against microbes for the useful life of the product. This is especially significant in light of recent findings that show Americans spend more than $1 billion annually on a variety of products including lotions, wipes and sprays to fight microbial growth, and approximately $2.3 billion annually on air fresheners. (Mintel Market Research Firm).

“We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed researchers at Ford and the University of Michigan,” said Paul Ford, CEO of Sciessent. “The results of this study underscore Sciessent’s mission to innovate technologies that improve cleanliness. We are proud that our Agion antimicrobial is undergoing real-world testing in a number of Ford development vehicles, and being evaluated for potential use in future Ford vehicle programs.”

About Sciessent

Sciessent, located in Wakefield, Mass., is a leader in providing customized solutions that enhance the value of partners’ products. Sciessent’s Agion, Agion Active and Agion Lava brands are based on naturally occurring elements and have been incorporated into a wide range of consumer, industrial and healthcare products, including cell phones, shoes, keyboards, water filters, medical catheters and ice machines. Sciessent’s customers include many leading brands such as Dell, Motorola, Columbia, Adidas, PPG, Carrier and DuPont.

For more information about Sciessent, please visit www.sciessent.com; for the Agion brand, please visit www.agion-tech.com and www.agionactive.com and follow the Agion brand’s exciting consumer campaign on Facebook and/or Twitter.