AGXX kills germs with a special mechanism of action
We encounter viruses and bacteria everywhere in our daily lives and, of course, they do not stop at our clothing. Here, their spectrum ranges from causing unpleasant odors to trigger serious diseases. However, conventional antimicrobial solutions designed to counteract with often release substances such as metal ions, which in turn can be harmful to humans, animals, and the environment and also have a relatively short-term effect. The innovative technology AGXX, on the other hand, is based on a catalytic reaction that provides long-lasting protection against microbial contamination and reduces odor.
When harmful germs spread, they can not only affect the life of materials but also directly threaten human life. An important starting point in the fight against microorganisms here is the textiles we wear all the time and encounter everywhere. With them, antimicrobial equipment quickly pays off, especially in sensitive areas such as hospital and nursing home wards. Appropriately prepared workwear prevents the spread of contagious infections. In Germany alone, an estimated 20,000 people die each year as a result of hospital germs. But it doesn't just have to be a matter of life and death. The technology also ensures, for example, increased comfort in sportswear by preventing unpleasant perspiration odors, or extends the product life time of textile filters.
To demonstrate the seamless integration of AGXX® into existing production processes, Heraeus Precious Metals has formed strategic alliances with leading industry partners. These collaborations are centered on incorporating AGXX® into textiles, either by embedding it directly into fibers or by applying it through advanced surface functionalization methods such as coating and finishing. In addition, Heraeus Precious Metals has been securing partnerships with textile brands showing the accelerating market adoption of the AGXX technology in textiles.
These collaborations mark significant milestones in the commercial rollout of AGXX, demonstrating its value not only in healthcare but also in high-use environments such as hospitality, retail, and everyday apparel. The technology’s ability to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and oxidize sweat-derived acids makes it especially attractive for garments that undergo frequent wear and washing.
Our contribution: highly effective antimicrobial technology based on reactive oxygen species.
The AGXX technology developed by Heraeus Precious Metals combines major advantages:
- Broad-spectrum effect, eliminating not only bacteria but also fungi, viruses, and algae as well as odor-causing acids
- Long-lasting efficacy, as it not based on the release of toxic substances
- Catalytic working mechanism based on humidity and oxygen
- Easy application into various materials and onto various surfaces far beyond textiles.
This is made possible by the novel mechanism of action: AGXX is a highly efficient catalytic technology that utilizes the interaction of two precious metals and is based on redox reactions and micro electric field effects. In this process, the oxygen present in combination with water from atmospheric moisture is converted into oxygen radicals (ROS: reactive oxygen species). These in turn react with the microorganisms and reliably kill them. At the same time, this prevents the formation of biofilms.
Antimicrobial tests (such as ISO 20743 or AATCC 100) as well as anti-odor tests (such as ISO17299) have confirmed the effectiveness of AGXX in textiles, even after several washing cycles.
AGXX is currently and will be also in future compliant with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), positioning it as a future-proof solution for textile treatments. Its safety and sustainability credentials are further validated by the ECO PASSPORT by OEKO-TEX certification, allowing customers to label their finished products with confidence. These developments reinforce Heraeus’ commitment to responsible innovation and its leadership in advancing antimicrobial technologies that meet both performance and regulatory standards.
