Figs. 1 & 2 show that biofilm is formed on the surface of the waterline before going into QATER™ Hybrid Economy.
(Fig. 1)                                (Fig. 2)
		Figs. 3 & 4 show that the already formed biofilm is removed and prevented on the surface of the waterline going after the QATER™ Hybrid Economy.
(Fig. 3)                               (Fig. 4)

Above figures were actually taken from the dental clinic waterline in Seoul S. KOREA. They had run the waterline without QATER™ Hybrid Economy for more than 3 years. Biofilm formed is shown as in Figs. 1 & 2.

They installed QATER™ Hybrid Economy and have run it for about 6 months. Biofilm already formed is removed and cleaned waterline is shown as in Figs. 3 & 4.

QATER™ Hybrid Economy is visually proven to remove and prevent the biofilm in dental waterline.

* Y. W. Dental Clinic shows that QATER™ Hybrid Economy works to remove and prevent biofilm in dental waterline.

ANTIMICROBIAL EFFECT OF SILVER AND COPPER

Nomads used silver coins to improve drinking water quality. Well water containing copper and silver coins is very bright, due to the biocidal effect of these metals.

Since 1869 various publications have been appeared on disinfection properties of silver. Some European and Russian villagers have been using silver for drinking water treatment for many years.

Microbial bacteria enter dental water systems through mains water. They breed and live in biofilm. Through being transported by the flowing water to outlets microbial bacteria can cause illness such as Legionnaires disease.

Being eluted from silver and copper fiber and resin, the silver and copper ions attach to the surface of dental unit water line for long residual effect and attack bacteria in dental water as well as those breeding in biofilm.

The copper and silver ions attach to bacterial cell walls. This distorts and weakens the cell wall allowing penetration of the silver ions. The silver ions attack the cell by binding at specific sites to DNA, RNA, cellular protein and respiratory enzymes denying all life support systems to the cell causing lysis and death. (References: Britton G and Freihofer V., 1978 & Friedman B A and Dugan P R., 1968 & Slawson et al, 1990 & Thurman R B, Gerba C P, 1989).

The copper and the silver ions need work together. Without the copper ions the silver ions cannot penetrate the cell wall of the target organisms.

BIOFILM IS ATTACKED AND REMOVED

The Vikings used copper strings on their ships to prevent the growth of algae and shells. Modern ships still use the same technology. Most antifouling paints contain copper, reducing the number of marine species growing on the walls of ships. Because of this measure, ships can reach their destination faster.

Biofilm is a thin slimy layer that readily forms on the inner surfaces of dental water lines. It is a safe habitat for bacteria to live and breed. Biofilm is the biggest breeding ground for bacteria in dental water systems.

Biofilm develops in dental water lines where the temperature is right for growth and where there is a nutrient source. Nutrients can be scale, sediment, corrosion products, trapped organic and inorganic molecules supplied by the flowing water.

The copper and silver ions penetrate biofilm. This can initially cause an increase in total viable and bacteria counts due to the bacteria becoming freely suspended in the dental water by being released from the biofilm. Because these bacteria would otherwise continue to proliferate in biofilm to high numbers, it is therefore important that treatment to control bacteria includes biofilm control, as well.

QATER™ is the only dental water disinfector that has proven to attack and remove biofilm.