What are probiotics?
The WHO and FAO define probiotics as "“live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.” While the beneficial impact of probiotic microorganisms on gut flora is widely recognised, their applications extend beyond that. For instance, probiotics can also be used in other areas - e.g. in cleaning products.
Minimising the presence of pathogenic bacteria on surfaces significantly reduces the risk of infection. In addition, the living probiotic microorganisms efficiently break down allergens, pollutants and dirt particles. Existing biofilm is removed and the surface is cleaned deeply. Unlike other products that only temporarily mask bad odours, the microbial cleaners permanently eliminate bad odours by decomposing the organic compounds that cause them.
Results of the Studies
- The number of nosocomial infections in the facilities was significantly reduced during the use of the probiotic cleaners
- The reduction in incidence extended to the entire spectrum of nosocomial infections (including urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis)
- The probiotic microorganisms were able to significantly reduce the proportion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria on the treated surfaces
- The probiotics were able to replace the pathogenic microorganisms that were originally present
- The proliferation of the probiotic microorganisms was independent of the nature and material of the surface
- The probiotic microorganisms were not detectable in the blood/urine of the patients with a nosocomial infection
- The microorganisms themselves did not develop any resistance
Sources:
Provilan probiotic cleaning products offer eco-friendly and sustainable hygiene solutions
Provilan's microbial cleaners are not only innovative in terms of their mode of action, but also in terms of environmental protection. The ecological cleaners contain only biodegradable surfactants and other natural ingredients, such as water and fragrances. All products are both vegan and animal-free, and the bottles are made of recycled plastic. Provilan attaches great importance to environmental protection and sustainability and does not use any chemical dyes, fragrances or preservatives. Since the pollutants are not simply rinsed off, but decomposed by the living bacteria, only the harmless decomposition products end up in the wastewater.
Microflora in Comparison
The two graphics show how the microbial colonisation of a surface develops after it has been treated with a chemical disinfectant on the left and with a Provilan microbial cleaner on the right.
After applying the Provilan microbial cleanser, the autoactive, probiotic microorganisms occupy all free spaces and optimise the local microflora. They begin to multiply and displace pathogenic bacteria. After some time and, if necessary, multiple applications, it can be seen that the number of pathogenic bacteria has been greatly reduced.
After applying the disinfectant, the number of good and bad bacteria is significantly reduced. However, already about 1 hour after application, the pathogenic bacteria begin to multiply much more than the good bacteria. Resistant bacteria in particular spread again quickly after disinfection because they could not be eliminated by the disinfectant. The biological imbalance promotes the risk of bacterial infections.
Disadvantages of Chemical Disinfectants
- After application, the number of harmful and beneficial bacteria is significantly reduced
- The mode of action often promotes the development of disinfectant resistance
- Very limited duration of effectiveness
- Rapid recolonisation with pathogenic and often disinfectant-resistant microorganisms
- The infection risk returns to its previous level – or even increases – shortly after use
- Creates microbial imbalance
- The ingredients can be harmful to the environment
- The protective substances are not broken down but simply wiped away and flushed into wastewater
- Depending on their composition, these products frequently cause allergies or skin irritation
Advantages of Cleaning with Microbial Cleaners
- Promotes a healthy biological balance
- Displacement of pathogenic bacteria, including disinfectant-resistant strains
- Breakdown of organic allergens, pollutants, and dirt particles
- No development of resistance when using Provilan cleaning products
- Long-lasting effect (the microorganisms continue working for up to 72 hours after cleaning)
- Minimises recontamination of the cleaned surface
- Natural and chemical-free – no environmental harm
- Eliminates unpleasant odours by decomposing the organic compounds that cause them
Preventing Disinfectant Resistance with Provilan
During the Corona pandemic, the consumption of disinfectants rose to unimaginable heights. Not only medical facilities, but also private users use disinfectants for hand and surface disinfection, and with each application the risk of creating disinfectant-resistant germs increases. These germs can no longer be easily controlled and can multiply practically unhindered and cause infections. The problem not only affects large clinics, but also doctors' surgeries, old people's homes and other medical facilities where disinfectants are regularly used.
The use of Provilan is intended to prevent exactly this. The microbial cleaners displace pathogenic germs by depriving them of both the food and the surface area they would need to spread. In this way, the number of pathogenic and even disinfectant-resistant bacteria is gradually reduced more and more. The fewer pathogenic bacteria there are on a surface, the greater the reduction in the risk of infection. Due to the completely different approach without chemicals that cause resistance, no new resistances are provoked.