AMTicide® VAF
AMTicide® VAF was developed
to be used in conjunction with one of our broad-spectrum antimicrobials,
however it can be used alongside any preservative package for extra protection
against yeast and mold associated with packaging.
BACKGROUND
Consumer demand and ever-changing regulations has driven the
market from synthetic material to focus on natural solutions. AMTicide® VAF is developed by
co-fermenting Bacillus subtilis with Saccharomyces boulardii in a
defined growth media to deliver a non-irritating, effective, multifunctional
product. This highly marketable product can provide antioxidant benefits and is
capable of preventing the growth of fungus in packaging headspace, making it
the perfect addition to any formulation.
SCIENCE
The gap has been identified in the market for
a naturally derived volatile antifungal to prevent microbial growth associated
with packaging. Packaging is a critical component for the successful
preservation of cosmetic and personal care products. For a variety of packaging
options, including jars, ensuring that the packaging headspace remains free of
contamination is essential to prevent contamination of the entire formulation.
Packaging processes are able to create a favorable growth environment for yeast
and mold.
For example, leaving space between the contents of the packaging
and the lid of the packaging allows sufficient room for microbial growth after
a hot poured formulation has cooled. In addition, each time the packaging
container is opened and the product is used, the headspace in the packaging
increases, exposing more surface area of the formulation to the air.
Phenoxyethanol, a synthetic volatile antimicrobial, has been commonly utilized
to prevent headspace microbial growth. However, the potential for sensitization
and sensory irritation of the skin associated with the use of phenoxyethanol1, as well as
stricter worldwide regulations on the material, pushes formulators to explore
alternative options.
AMTicide® VAF is a product
of the co-fermentation of Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces
boulardii in a defined growth medium. Bacillus spp. are well known
rhizosphere residents of many crops, including tomato, corn, and soybeans, and
produce nonvolatile and volatile secondary metabolites that exhibit antifungal
activity as a mechanism of biocontrol to promote plant growth.2,3 The volatile
organic metabolites produced by Bacillus subtilis have been known to
naturally reduce and prevent plant diseases caused by fungi.
Saccharomyces boulardii is a
probiotic strain of yeast, first isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit in
1934 by a French scientist by the name of Henri Boulard. Saccharomyces
boulardii has sparked interest around the world, specifically due to its
wide variety of interactions with other microbes and ability to disable gastrointestinal
disorder and symptoms of gastrointestinal distress. Current research in the
food industry has examined the ability of Saccharomyces spp. and lactic
acid bacteria, such as Bacillus spp., to enhance the production of
volatile compounds when co-inoculated.4,5
Using bio-fermentation and various filtration techniques, the volatile organic
metabolites are isolated and extracted from the bacteria cell to deliver high
potency volatile antifungal activity. AMTicide VAF has been able to
successfully produce a naturally derived, high potency volatile material that
delivers moisturizing and antifungal activity for effective headspace
protection!
AMTicide® VAF was developed to be used in
conjunction with one of the broad-spectrum antimicrobials, however it can be
used alongside any preservative package for extra protection against yeast and
mold associated with packaging.
BENEFITS
A skin moisturization study was performed using an untreated
control, generic cream base, and an experimental with the same cream base
containing 1.0% AMTicide® VAF. Comparative moisturization results from
this study are shown in Figure 1. As demonstrated by the results of this study,
the addition of 1.0% AMTicide® VAF improved moisture levels by 16.50%
after 24 hours and by 34.0% after four weeks when compared to the untreated
control. When compared to the base cream AMTicide® VAF improved moisturization
by 3.96% and after 24 hours and by 9.88% after four weeks. Results indicate
that AMTicide® VAF is capable of increasing moisturization when compared
to both the untreated control as well as the base lotion.

A Headspace
Preservation Test was then conducted over a period of 28 days to evaluate the
preservation adequacy of 1.0% AMTicide® VAF compared to phenoxyethanol
(positive control) and an unpreserved generic cream base (negative control). Penicillium
brevicompactum and Fusarium sp. were isolated from the environment
via passive sedimentation, to observe a ‘real-life’ example of contamination
from manufacturing areas, storage conditions, or consumer use.
The base cream formula used to perform the test was poured into
individual cosmetic containers at 45oC in order to create the best
environment for mold to grow under the test conditions. Each plastic jar was
filled to approximately 85% of its capacity (~25ml) leaving 25% capacity of
each jar empty as headspace. 1.0% AMTicide® VAF and 1.0% phenoxyethanol
were subsequently added separately. Each cap of the cosmetic containers was
inoculated separately with Penicillium brevicompactum and Fusarium sp.
Each cap was tested at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after the initial inoculation.
Figure 2 represents the percent reduction of viable organisms after being
introduced into the test formulation.

Under the conditions of this test, the AMTicide® VAF exhibited
the best preservation efficacy of headspace in a cosmetic and/or personal care
product container compared to phenoxyethanol. The results of this study
indicate AMTicide® VAF is capable of effectively protecting products
exposed to an open environment of mold contamination.
INCI
Nomenclature:
|
Bacillus
Ferment & Saccharomyces Ferment Filtrate
|
Suggested
Use Levels:
|
1.0%
Maximum
|
Suggested
Applications:
|
Skin Conditioning, Antifungal
|
Appearance:
|
Clear to
Slightly Hazy Liquid
|
Solubility
In Water:
|
Soluble
|
Storage: Protected from direct light and humidity at a temperature of
50°-77°F (10°-25°C)
Shelf life: 12 months, properly stored, in sealed container.
This product should be
added to a formulation at the recommended usage rate
