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Virkon - mode of-action
Sophisticated powder
peroxygen system
Virkon’s unique, patented formulation is based on a multi-component oxidising
system in which a range of compatible biocides simultaneously attack the major physical
and chemical components of pathogens - giving Virkon the widest proven spectrum of
activity of any disinfectant available.
How was this approach developed?
Antec's wealth of experience in disinfectant infection control indicated that an
oxidising system would best be able to combine efficacy and safety. The oxidising agent
chosen was the triple salt of potassium monopersulphate, which works best at low pH (i.e.
under acid rather than alkaline conditions). Accordingly, two organic acids (malic and
sulphamic acid) were added to produce the low pH. An inorganic buffer (sodium
hexametaphosphate) was incorporated to stabilise these acid conditions To aid cleaning a
surfactant (sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate) was added.
The full formulation is -
- Triple salt of potassium monopersulphate Oxidising agent
- Sulphamic acid Organic acid/catalyst
- Malic acid Organic acid/catalyst
- Sodium hexametaphosphate Buffering agent
- Sodium dodecyl benzene sulphonate Surfactant
- Sodium chloride
- Amaranth colour
Lemon peel perfume
Three further components, not discussed above, are in
Virkon:
- Salt (sodium chloride). This is an inherent part of the complex chemical pathway
of irkon's action, the Haber-Will-Statter
 Reaction. In
this, the sodium chloride is oxidised (by KPMS - potassium monopersulfate). Instead
of the chlorine formed being given off as a gas it interacts with the sulphamic acid
(acting as a chlorine acceptor) to form an intermediary complex. This complex is
hydrolised (broken down with the formation of water) to release hypochlorous acid.
This is a powerful biocide in its own right and now becomes the sixth biocide
within Virkon. Please note that the reaction is cyclic - the chloride released from
the sulphamic acid goes to make more sodium chloride, refuelling the cyclic system.
A pink dye (amaranth colour, EEC No. 123). In addition to being aesthetically pleasing,
this serves a very practical purpose, - it indicates whether the Virkon solution is
active. In its oxidised form, it is pink but when the solution starts to lose its activity
it reverts to its colourless reduced form. Virkon solutions must always be replaced if the
colour starts to fade.
Lemon peel perfume, which gives the powder its characteristic odour. Note that the
liquid is odourless to most people. In addition to the individual components combining to
give this multi-component oxidising system unequalled spectrum, all of the individual
components were chosen with user and environmental safety profiles as a priority.
Patented world wide, Virkon is therefore unique in combining the efficacy and spectrum
of the most potent disinfectants with the safety profile required by modem standards.
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