Fermacidal vs. Spore-EX

A clean and germ-free working environment is a must in all areas of scientific research, especially in medical and pharmaceutical laboratories. Cell culture laboratories in particular are sensitive areas where any kind of contamination can have a direct impact on the success of the work. Contaminations in cell culture laboratories can be caused by environmental germs, insufficiently sterilized material (media, consumables) and – most of all – the user himself. In the field of microbiology, the situation is slightly different – primarily in the field of clinical microbiology. In this scientific area the laboratory organisms themselves can pose as a danger. Pathogenic and/or multi-resistant bacteria must not leave the laboratory alive and contamination must be avoided at all costs. In principle, both our disinfectants, Fermacidal and Spore-Ex, are suitable for both customer groups but there are a few crucial differences which will be explained here.

The disinfectants Fermacidal D2 and Spore-EX have of course been registered by their respective manufacturers with the BAuA (German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) and may be sold and used accordingly for the designated applications in Germany.

Caution: In each European country, an individual authorization for biocides is required. Before ordering it is therefore recommended to check if the product has already been authorized. If not, it is the customers responsibility to obtain an authorization.

For non-EU countries it is up to the customer to ascertain which laws a disinfectant is subject to and to take care of the corresponding approvals.

The disinfectant must be selected correctly according to its purpose. Not every disinfectant is effective against every pathogen and not every formulation is suitable for each surface. If possible ready-to-use products (such as Fermacidal and Spore-EX) should be chosen to avoid under- or overdosing. The recommended exposure times must be strictly followed.

Fermacidal is classified as a disinfectant for human hygiene (PT 1, according to BAuA). It is therefore very mild, non-toxic and skin-friendly. It is particularly well suited for the disinfection of surfaces and incubators in cell culture, as it is non-volatile and the components show no toxic effects towards cells at their low concentration. Fermacidal is effective against bacteria, fungi and a variety of viruses (hepatitis B, HIV, rotavirus, influenza A virus, corona virus). As Fermacidal has no corrosive properties it can also be used to disinfect equipment (PCR cyclers, centrifuges, refrigerators) or pipettes.

When using Fermacidal it is very important to make sure that the surfaces to be disinfected are completely wetted with the agent. Allow the sprayed surfaces to air-dry. Do not wipe dry. The drying time is the required exposure time.

Spore-EX is classified as a disinfectant not intended for use on humans or animals (PT 2, according to BAuA). Nevertheless, Spore-EX is not an aggressive disinfectant and is neither irritating nor corrosive to the skin.

It is the product of choice for all washable and hard surfaces. The application of Spore-Ex is similar to that of Fermacidal. However, the contact time with Spore-EX is significantly shorter (1 min) and it may/should be wiped dry after disinfection. Spore-EX kills bacteria, spores, viruses and fungi.

1. Spore-EX is the more potent agent and is proven to be active against endospores (e.g. spores of Clostridium difficile).
2. Potential users of Spore-EX are working in the field of microbiology (especially in clinical microbiology) and wherever research is being conducted on bacterial pathogens.
3. Fermacidal is the agent of choice in cell culture laboratories where contamination is usually caused by easily neutralized bacteria and yeasts and where only “gentle”, non-volatile disinfectants should be used in the presence of valuable cell lines.