Antibacterial ATM Machine Certification
1.0 Automated Teller Machines
1.1 ATM Health Issues
Microbes are the oldest forms of
life on earth. Many types have existed for billions of years. Bacteria are a
type of microorganism that is capable of growing on any surface including
liquids and moist surfaces. A few pathogenic strains of bacteria are known to
cause infectious diseases. The wide spread use of electronic technology is
another source of contamination. 60% of all people us an ATM at least once a
week.
Public health concerns regarding
the spread of bacteria and diseases via automated teller machines have become
an issue to reduce the spread to the public. ATM centers are usually in air
conditioned, cold and damp environments that favor the growth of
microorganisms.
The study involves the collection
of samples by using cotton swabs from various ATM centers in Chennai. Sixty
five samples were analyzed for the presence of predominant pathogenic bacteria.
Among the 65 samples 27 (41.54%) of the samples were positive for the presence
of E.coli, 25(38.46%) for Klebsiella sp, 8 (12.3%) for Shigella sp. and 6
(9.23%) for Vibrio sp and the total microbial load in nutrient agar ranged from
40 to 1.9 x 105 CFU. [1]
1.2 Bacteria Isolated within Abakaliki Metropolis
Automated Teller Machines have been
involved with the transmission of various microorganisms due to vast dermal
contact with multiple users. Metalitc keypads from August 2012 to October 2012
gave the following results. Swabs from keypads of 20 ATMs were examined with
results indicated contamination breakdown:
(50%) Staphylococcus
aureus9
(33.3%) Klebsiella
species 6
(16.7%) Escherichia
coli3
1.3 Bacteria found on bank ATMs
Bacillus
spp have been found along with negative staphylococci (SNS) isolated from nine
devices including one methicillin resistant strain. Staphylococcus aurous grew
in two devices. Three devices were found positive for Escherichia coli. This
would allow bacterial transmission to the community utilizing ATM machines.
[3][4]
2.0 Solutions to minimize contamination of ATMs
Hand
washing and proper cleaning regimen should be practiced to reduce contamination
of the ATMs. Hand sanitizer at every ATM machine with a dispenser for personal
use next to each keyboard. There are a variety of UV, Biocide, and
nanotechnology applications to reduce and eliminate bacterial contamination on
keyboards and money dispensed from ATMs.
2.0 UV Light Protection
Ultraviolet
germicidal irradiation (UVGI) could be used to illuminate every
keyboard to sterilize the keyboard before and after every use by an ATM
customer. UV-C is a short-wavelength of ultraviolet radiation that is harmful
to microorganisms.
Vioguard has
developed UV germicidal keyboard and mouse solutions to help stop pathogen
diversal. UVGI has a short wave length of 253.7 nm which is in the range to
kill microorganisms. UVGI light could be deployed over a wide range of areas on
ATMs.
2.1 Antimicrobial protection patents
2.1.1 USB 6358519 B1 Patent – Biocide antimicrobial protection
Biocide
Antimicrobial protection has been is incorporated into all types of plastics of
which communication and data transfer/entry products.
These are composed
of germ resistant, anti-microbial agent consisting of chlorinated phenoxy and
poly-hexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride incorporated within the surface,
wherein the antimicrobial agent exhibits controlled migration through the
polymeric material of the surface when an imbalance of vapor pressure of the
antimicrobial agent demands equalization, thereby continuously inhibiting
microbial growth and promoting asepsis on the surface. [8]
The trade name is
MICROBAN® which is developed as an antimicrobial
product protection. This product is used in aircraft interiors, baby changing
stations, cleaning supplies, commercial high chairs, dispensers, electronics,
elevators, surface coatings, storage, and transportation. [9]
2.1.2 USB 5626822 A Patent – cash sterlizing
Holders, storage
means, transportation means, sterilizers, temperature detectors and Controllers
US 5626822 A [10]
A cash transaction
machine includes a sterilizing unit for sterilizing bills by heat, a heating
temperature of the sterilizing unit being detected by a sensor and maintained
in a specified range, wherein a number of bills to be processed is limited
because there is a possibility that if very many bills are processed by the
sterilizing unit, the heat is absorbed by the bills and the heating temperature
falls, and the germs are not killed effectively, wherein when the bills are not
sterilized, the sterilizing unit is operated intermittently to thereby prolong
its service life, and the bills are sterilized only when a specified
transaction is selected, and wherein a pressure is applied to bills
simultaneously with heating by the sterilizing unit to thereby remove folds and
rumples of the bills. [11]
2.1.3 US 20110253563 A1 Patent – ultra-violet sterilization
A stand alone or
retrofitted cash box that incorporates inner mounted ultra violet light
sterilization and aerosol disinfectant release systems comprising automated
actuation upon closing of the drawer, to reduce the amount of germs and
bacteria found on currency both paper and coins at points of currency
transaction. The retrofitted cash drawer component of the system comprises a
perforated design to allow for greater surface exposure and currency
desiccation quality.
The present invention
deals with the receipt, retaining, sterilization, disinfecting and disbursing
of bank notes in an apparatus for internal sterilization and disinfecting
processes.[12]
2.1.4 US 20070272664 A1 Patent – nanopowders as antimicrobial coatings
Carbon and
Metal Nanomaterial Composition and Synthesis: This process utilizes nanopowders
synthesis processes. A precursor gas assists in the formation of unagglomerated
nanoparticles of the powder. Nanopowders materials used include silver, copper,
gold, platinum, titanium and iron. The utilization of Sol-Gel process is a
method for producing solid materials from small molecules. Metal oxides such as
silicon and titanium can be produced as nanomaterials to be applied as
protective coatings and nanoscale powders for application on metals and plastic
protection coatings as an antimicrobial barrier to bacterial growth.[13]
2.1.5 CN 203342072 Patent – LED UVC tender and keyboard sterlization
Paper currency sterilization by LED
(light-emitting diode)-UVC (short wave ultraviolet rays) scanning sterilization lamp can sterilize the paper
currency or other similar articles by utilizing an LED ultraviolet source. The
LED-UVC scanning sterilization lamp can dissipate heat, and has high
luminescence power, large irradiating area for better sterilization effect. The
application of LED-UVC germicidal lamp scan is widely used in Japanese ATM
markets. [14]
2.1.6 EP 212341 A1 Patent – antimicrobial polymer currency
Antimicrobial currency, material
and method: Australia, Mexico,
Brazil, Indonesia and China are among the nations testing or rolling out
polymer-based banknotes.
Currency paper in the United States is composed of 25% linen and 75% cotton.
The antimicrobial agent is one of
1.
Silver
zeolite; silver in amorphous glass; silver sol/gel; copper zeolite; copper in
amorphous glass; copper sol/gel; zinc zeolite; zinc in amorphous glass; or zinc
sol/gel.
2.
2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl
ether; diiodomethyl p-tolylsulfone; an azole such as propiconazole;
polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride; or 3,4,4'- trichlorocarbanilide. [15]
2.2 Antimicrobial screen protection
Antibacterial screen protectors
consist of the top PET substrate coated by the international advanced technology
plus antibacterial layers, in the precondition of making sure the transmittance
reach 98%, at the same time can effectively get the effect of anti-bacterial.
VANCO antimicrobial coating
consists of nano-scale calcium phosphate, alumina, silver, silica, copper and
zinc and other metal ions. The proportion of each nano-scale material is:
calcium phosphate 0.5%-1.5%, alumina 2.0%-3.0%, silver 2.5%-3.5%, silica
1.0%-2.0%, copper and zinc and other metal ions 0.5%-1.5%, according with
international safety standards. VANCO provides antibacterial screen protectors
for all major electronics manufacturers.
[16]
[16]
Figure 7
Major Antibacterial screen users
The outer layer of the
antibacterial Screen Protector use the industry's most advanced 4H of HC
cladding coating can effectively protect the LCD screen protector against the
external impact or scratch and the AR (Crystal, anti-bacterial) coating in the
middle is use the latest thin-film coating technology, can enhance 8 times
effect for the color contrast of the screen, make the effect of the image more
vivid and bright. [17]
3.0 Biocide and antimicrobial polymer Protection
Biocides in
synthetic materials have been used in the medical industry for years. Natural
materials such as wood and wool have limited durability. Biocides help to limit
microbiological growth on plastic and metal surface. Biofilms are bacterial surfaces created by
biomasses such as algae, fungal spores that can deface plastic and metal
surfaces proliferate in moist environments. A list of materials fungus inert
materials in two groups is listed below. [18]
3.0 Biocides in plastics
There are a
variety of polymers that mixed into the plastic compound or added as a surface
treatment will provide protection. Inorganic agents used in plastics are mainly
silver, zinc and silver and copper ions, and an organic agent triclosan. They
have been used for years by hospitals for sterilization of surfaces from
bacterial growth. [20]
Triclosan is
similar to triclocarban which is an antibacterial and antifungal agents found
in consumer products including soap, detergents, toys, and surgical cleaning
treatments.
Thermoplastic
polymers that are compatible with biocides as anti-bacterial protections:
Poly(Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) (ABS), Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Copolymer
(EVA), Polyoxymethylene (Acetyl) (POM), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET),
Polycarbonate (PC), Polyethylene (PE), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET),
Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Poly(Styrene
Acrylonitrile) (SAN), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) 4 and Styrene Butadiene
Rubber (SBR) [21]
Figure 9
Biocide trade names, active substances, manufacturers, claims and material
applications
3.1 Nano Products
A wide range of
applications have already been seen with the application of nanotechnology. Nano
crystal coat for anti-reflecting coatings on lens, advanced nano-coating epoxy
coating, dry waterless wash with biodegradable nanotech car cleaning, clarity
defender automotive windshield treatment, silver nanotechnology for vacuum
cleaning, nano gold energizing cream, and nano silver coating on various
materials.[23]
Silver and other
materials can be deposited at a nanoparticle size can be applied to a wide
variety of metals to provide anti-bacterial protection. The silver cations
interact with sulfur groups in biomolecules. This causes denaturation and
breaks down the enzymatic functions of bacterial viability. Silver
nanoparticles breaks down the membrane of such bacteria as E.coli. [24]
3.2 LIFE active antimicrobial compounds
Companies such as
Life Material Technologies, Oklahoma Nanotechnology Initiative, and many other
corporations are involved with anti-microbial nanotechnology applications.
Applications of products for antimicrobial technology include anti-microbial
nano coatings of titanium oxide, copper, brass, and bronze.[25]
4.0 Implementation Solutions
4.0 UVGI lighting
Illuminate Front
Monitor, Lower Monitor and keyboard to reduce and remove bacteria. Interior
UVGI lighting of disinfection of tender, and receipts
4.1 Anti-bacterial: Screen Protector
Screen Protector
made from nano-antibacterial polyester film (PET) film using silver, titanium
dioxide particles
4.2 Anti-microbial Polymers
Biocide polymers
for plastic anti-bacterial protection coating on all LCD monitor surfaces. Antimicrobial
plastics offer a great promise to produce plastics that are bacterial resistant
to contamination. Anti-microbial polymers are used today by the food industry
for food preservation to reduce food-borne toxic infections.
4.3 Nanomaterials:
Implementation
of titanium dioxide, silver, and nanocopper coating on stainless steel due to
their antimicrobial properties on exterior contact surfaces will aid in
protection of surfaces from contamination.
4.4 Nanomaterials: Vended money
Decontamination
by inner mounted UVGI light sterilization, and aerosol disinfectant release
systems aid in the decontamination of currency is used by Japanese ATMs.
4.5 LED (light-emitting diode)-UVC (short wave ultraviolet rays) scanning sterilization lamp
Decontamination
by inner mounted UVGI light sterilization, and aerosol disinfectant release
systems for decontamination of currency. 265nm Germicidal UVC LED is available
from such companies as Alibaba.com [26]
4.6 Plastic money
The
implementation of plastic money was introduced in Canada in 1996. Great Britain
announced after 300 years of cotton-based notes to switch to plastic currency
in 2016. Japan’s Hitachi introduced an ATM in 1990’s that heated noted to 392°
to decontaminate bank notes. Antimicrobial
polymers would be ideal for the implementation of plastics to replace cotton
based notes that would not need sterilization by expensive decontamination
processes used by ATM machines. [27]
The alternative
to nano-silver or triclosan is antibacterial plastic, developed by Parx
Plastics of the Netherlands. Eastman’s Tritan EX401 co-polyester is one for the
first materials Parx developed as an antibacterial property, resulting in 98.7%
for Gram- and 98% for Gram+ bacteria. [28]
5.0 Market impact – Antibacterial automated teller machines
Anti-bacterial certified
Automated Teller Machines would be a boom to people of all countries to know
that when they us an ATM there is a greatly reduced chance of coming into
contact with bacteria from keyboards, LCD screens, or money tendered from the
ATMs would be free from any bacteria.
Potential logos stickers below
could be put on all ATMs to show customers those that are Anti-bacteria
certified.
The impact of making banking
institutions aware of the need to replace and upgrade their ATMs to incorporate
anti-bacterial microorganism features will greatly increase the volume of
replacing aging ATMs at banking establishments and consumer cash locations
throughout the world. By promoting the optional incorporation of anti-bacterial
screen protection, nano coatings on all human contact services will be a great
benefit to the public at large and positive reflection on the corporate market
place.
Bibliography
(2014, 08 01). Retrieved from Life Material
Technologies Limited:
http://www.life-materials.com/materials/antimicrobial-coatings.html
About Microban®
Antimicrobial Protection. (2014, 08
01). Retrieved from Microban: http://www.microban.com/about-microban
Alibaba Global. (2014, 08 01). Retrieved from Alibaba.com:
http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/germicidal-uvc-led.html;http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/uvc-led.html
Antibacterial screen
protectors. (2014, 08 01).
Retrieved from Vanco:
http://www.vanco-screen.com/screen-protectors/privacy-screen-protectors/items/100-antibacterial-screen-protectors.html
(n.d.). Biocide treated
articles. Swedish Chemicsl Agency.
Dovey, D. (2014, 04 23). Dirty
Money: Cash Is Obviously Teeming With Bacteria, But Is Anything Being Done To
Clean It? Retrieved from Healthy Living:
http://www.medicaldaily.com/dirty-money-cash-obviously-teeming-bacteria-anything-being-done-clean-it-278400
Goldman, E. (2010).
Patent No. 20110253563 A1. U.S.
KJadowaski, M. (1997).
Patent No. 5626822 A.
Nanoproducts. (2012, 01 01). Retrieved from Oaklahoma
NanoTechnolgoy Initiative: www.oknano.com/
Nichols, D. (2004). Biocides
in Plastics. Rapra Review Reports.
Nworie, O. M. (2012).
Antibiogram of Bacteria Isolated from Automated Teller Machines within
ABAKALIKI Metrolpolis. American Journal of Infectious Diseases, 8 (4),
168-174.
Schroder, K., &
Martin, K. (2005). Patent No. US 20070272664 A1.
Tekerekoglu, M. (2013).
Bacteria found on banks’ automated teller machines . African Journal of
Microbiology Research, 1617-1621.
Veerappan Saroja, S. K.
(2011). Enumeration and Characterisation of Coliforms from Automated
TellerMachine (ATM) Centers in Urban Area. JOURNAL OF MODERN
BIOTECHNOLOGY,, VOL. 2, NO. 1, pp 14–22. Retrieved from
http://www.academia.edu/3063694/Enumeration_and_characterisation_of_coliforms_from_Automated_Teller_Machines_ATM_centres_in_urban_areas
Vioguard. (2014, 08 01). Retrieved from www.vioguard.com:
www.vioguard.com
Waterman, R. (2002).
Patent No. 6358519 B1.
敖觅, 顾. (2013). Patent No. CN 203342072 U. China.
Retrieved from
https://www.google.com/patents/CN203342072U?cl=en&dq=patent+for+money+sterilization+in+atm+machines&hl=en&sa=X&ei=9IfeU8jaNcOHyATfk4L4Dg&ved=0CC4Q6AEwAg
[1]
(Veerappan Saroja, 2011)
[2]
(Nworie, 2012)
[3]
(Nworie, 2012)
[4]
(Tekerekoglu, 2013)
[5]
(Vioguard, 2014)
[6]
(Vioguard, 2014)
[7]
(Vioguard, 2014)
[8]
(Waterman, 2002)
[9]
(About Microban® Antimicrobial Protection, 2014)
[10]
(KJadowaski, 1997)
[11]
(KJadowaski, 1997)
[12]
(Goldman, 2010)
[13]
(Schroder & Martin, 2005)
[15]
(Olsson, 2007)
[16]
(Antibacterial screen protectors, 2014)
[17]
(Antibacterial screen protectors, 2014)
[18]
(Biocides in Synthetic Materials, 2010)
[19]
(Biocides in Synthetic Materials, 2010)
[20]
(Biocide
treated articles)
[21]
(Nichols, 2004)
[22]
(Biocide
treated articles)
[23]
(Nanoproducts, 2012)
[24]
(Lagaron, 2012)
[25]
(Life Material Technologies Limited, 2014)
[26]
(Alibaba Global, 2014)
[27]
(Dovey, 2014)
[28]
(Antibacterial plastic alternative to nano-silver, 2014)
Comments
Post a Comment