Explore the chemistry behind Abradem®

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Abradem®

Abradem® is a patented biofilm adhesion disruptor that uses self-propelled micro-abrasive particles to physically lift buildup and to scour tenacious residues from surfaces.

When combined with low levels of hydrogen peroxide, it becomes an active, oxygen-driven slurry that cleans deep into pores and crevices traditional methods can’t reach.

What is Freshwater Diatomaceous Earth?
Freshwater diatomaceous earth is formed over millions of year from the fossilize remains of the microscopic algae Aulacoseira. This algae was cylindrical in shape when it was alive, and it retained this shape as it fossilized. This naturally “rocket” shape is what allows these particles to become self-propelled as catalyzed oxygen bubbles rapidly escape from the interior of these cylinders once Abradem® is activated.
What is the Difference Between Saltwater and Freshwater Diatomaceous Earth?

Saltwater diatoms, when alive, had more Darwinian survival strategies to pursue versus those available to freshwater diatoms. This caused saltwater diatoms to evolve into many different shapes, each optimal for a particular niche marine environment. Freshwater diatoms evolved into one predominant optimal (cylindrical) shape. They were able to grow in large numbers in freshwater as a single biologically successful “monoculture.” They did so over countless generations for millions of years.

What is Chitosan?
Chitosan is a naturally derived biopolymer obtained by modifying chitin, a structural material found in crustacean shells and certain fungi.

Abradem® uses chitosan as a coupling agent (primer). This primer coating allows nanosheets of MnO2 to be permanently attached to each of Abradem’s diatomaceous earth particles (inside and out) all while not causing these particles to agglomerate.

What are Biofilms?
A 3D community where microbes (bacteria, fungus, and viruses) adhere to surfaces (living and non-living) and to each other, protected by a sticky EPS (extracellular polymeric substance) matrix. Pathogens inside biofilms are harder to kill versus their similar, free-floating relatives. Pathogens inside biofilms are much more protected from antimicrobial attacks. Pathogens inside of biofilms can share nutrients, communicate for mutual self-defense, and even share genes.
How long does Abradem® stay active?
Abradem® remains active as long as oxygen (propellant) bubbles are still being produced. If evidence of microbubbling cannot be seen, it can still be heard via acoustic monitoring using a needle hydrophone. This is possible because Abradem’s microbubbles all collapse rapidly. This causes energic cavitation that can be measured using instruments, and even sometimes heard using one’s ears.
Is Abradem® available for consumer or home use?
We plan on producing a consumer-grade version of Abradem for household applications.
How does Abradem® work?
When mixed with dilute (3%) hydrogen peroxide, Abradem®’s particles become self-propelled via the rapid release of oxygen microbubbles from each particle’s interior. While these particles are not individually aimed, collectively they peen the entire wetted surface area wherever an Abradem® slurry or paste is applied. This uniform cleaning performance on wetted surfaces and volumes is made possible by the statistical certainty that these millions of activated particles will move in all possible directions within a slurry or paste.
Is Abradem® a Chemical or a Mechanical Cleaner?

Abradem® reduces a biofilm’s adhesion to its host-surface both mechanically and chemically.

Abradem®works mechanically in three ways. First, the particles that don’t penetrate into a biofilm will abrade the biofilm’s exposed surface area. Second, the particles that do penetrate into a biofilm will outgas oxygen until a pressurized gas lens forms within the biofilm. This pressure inside this gas lens will eventually burst and blast away the weakest layer of biofilm surrounding it. Third, the rapid collapsing of the oxygen microbubbles causes energic cavitation that physically degrade nearby biofilm.

Abradem® works chemically to attack biofilms in three ways. First, all of the oxygen microbubbles it releases as a propellant are toxic to any anaerobic bacteria these bubbles encounter. Secondly, the chitosan coating on each Abradem particle has antimicrobial properties. So, the mere presence of Abradem particles within a biofilm weakens the viability of the biofilm colony. Third, the physical openings that

Abradem® leaves behind in a biofilm after it has been applied, allows subsequently applied disinfectants to penetrate further into a biofilm, increasing their chemical effectiveness.

Is Abradem® Safe for Surfaces and the Environment?

Yes. Abradem®’s DE and chitosan are both safe. The trace amount (nanosheets) of MnO2 on Abradem particles are not harmful to humans, as manganese is “an essential trace element required for human health.” Manganese cannot be produced by the human body and must be acquired from food or water.

Abradem® particles are too small to damage most of the surfaces to which biofilms typically adhere to.
Activated Abradem remains at a benign pH and will not corrode most surfaces.

Abradem® does not benefit from being activated by 3% hydrogen peroxide at temperatures above 40° C (104° F). Hence, Abradem should never scald the people who prepare and apply it.

Can Abradem® be Used with Existing Cleaning Systems?
Yes. The first step in any disinfection campaign is the thorough cleaning of all target surfaces. Pre-cleaning with Abradem® should make the subsequent application of disinfectants work (kill) better – especially where biofilms are present. While Abradem particles are insoluble, rinsing these particles away after using them to clean can be done by using dilute hydrogen peroxide. This will cause any remaining particles to rapidly outgas oxygen, making them easier to rinse away, and less likely to settle on a surface and form a thin film.
How is Abradem® Different from Traditional Cleaners like Bar Keepers Friend?
While both products use amorphous silica microabrasives, Abradem’s cylindrical particles are coated to become self-propelled in the presence of dilute hydrogen peroxide. This enables Abradem® to clean surfaces where physical hand scrubbing is either difficult, or impossible, such as CIP (clean-in-place) equipment.
What Industries Benefit from Abradem®?
Any setting where harmful biofilms or other tenacious residues grow or accumulate on critical surfaces.
Where can I find technical Documentation and Safety Data Sheets?

All official documentation, including Safety Data Sheets (SDS), patent information, and usage guidelines, can be found on our Documents page.