FORT MYERS, Fla. -Frost & Sullivan presented Alistagen Corporation with the 2005 Technology Innovation Award for the company's development of the innovative anti-microbial, prophylactic coating technology known as Caliwel™.

Every year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has carried out new research that has resulted in innovation(s) that have or are expected to bring significant contributions to the industry in terms of adoption, change and competitive posture. The award recognizes the quality and depth of the recipient's research and development program, as well as the vision and risk-taking that enabled it to undertake such an endeavor.

Alistagen's semi-permeable microencapsulated formula employs a bi-neutralizing agent (BNA) that prevents microbial growth on surfaces. This industrial grade, smart coating's anti-microbial formula eliminates the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew, algae, fungi and viruses on coating surfaces.

Alistagen collaborated with researchers from Southwest Research Institute and the University of Missouri, Rolla in the course of 10 years' technology development. The Caliwel series comprises Caliwel with BNA, Caliwel HVAC and the Caliwel Industrial Coating. All products are anti-microbial but are targeted toward different end users. BNA's active ingredient is calcium hydroxide - a naturally occurring anti-microbial agent. Through its use of highly alkaline microbe-destructive ingredients, the reactive film of this material guards the surface from microbial attack.

Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), also known as hydrated lime, creates pH levels of up to 12.4, making it difficult for microbes to thrive (pathogen cell membranes are destroyed at pH levels of above 12). Hydrated lime is also employed as a barrier to prevent flies and other insects from infecting natural substrates, such as wood.

"Based on the versatility of the product line, Alistagen is focusing on end users such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and architectural and specialty coating distributors to market the product to healthcare and other commercial institutions," notes Frost & Sullivan analyst Viswanathan Krishnan.