Organic diselenides react with oxygen to generate reactive oxygen species. When engineered in this way, the SELDOX itself does not offer any antimicrobial properties, but acts as a catalyst. Reactive oxygen species such as superoxide are natural chemical messengers native to mammalian cells as part of a healthy immune system, and act as chemical messengers for bacteria. Reactive oxygen species generally signal inhospitable environments for microbes and / or create oxidative damage lesions in bacteria cell membranes that lead to bacteria cell death.
Selenium, the primary element of SELDOX, reacts with sulfur compounds produced by bacteria to produce free radical oxygen. This kills bacteria that are in contact with it (only bacteria in contact with the SELDOX enhanced surface). Oxygen then dissipates, and the selenium based SELDOX remains until more sulfur compounds come into contact with it.
SELDOX (short for SELenium-reDuction-OXidation reaction) antimicrobial technology platform provides free radical-mediated antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. The permanent catalytic generation of superoxide radicals occurs in the presence of oxygen & sulfur/thiol groups – both ubiquitous free radical generations. The various organoselenium compounds are preserved when covalently bound to the substrate.
What makes the SELDOX antimicrobial technology platform unique?
• It provides numerous commercial opportunities.
• Allows focused killing without harm to bystander cells.
• Has a favorable toxicity profile.
• Achieves efficacy in low concentrations.
• Is Selenium based, which is nutritionally required by the body.
In USP 30 Mammalian Cell Reactivity Testing indicates no toxicological concerns for nontargeted tissues
