CITREX is an ultrabiotic: organic antimicrobial (bactericide, fungicide) resulting from the physical reaction of vitamin C with natural organic acids, which increases the vitamin C antimicrobial capacity (Merck Index, 11 Edition, page 131).

The mechanism of action of CITREX is not dependent on pH or ingredients in the feed. It works by touching the surface of the cell wall membrane increasing its permeability, killing the bacteria. (Molecular Toxicology Studies by Xenometrics in 1997, 1999, and 2000).

CITREX does not affect DNA or any other part of the cell, therefore it is non carcinogenic and non mutagenic (very difficult for bacteria to create resistance). This is the reason why antibiotics have developed resistance. Since CITREX only needs to touch the cell wall membrane you only need a small quantity, 12 to 100 ppm to inhibit growth and 100 to 200 ppm (0.01 to 0.02) to kill most types of bacteria.

UNIQUE CHARACTERISTICS

Selective

CITREX, at the recommended doses, has a selective mechanism of killing only pathogenic bacteria. This selective mechanism consists on that pathogenic bacteria have many chemical receptors to which CITREX is attracted to. Beneficial bacteria have very few chemical receptors.

CITREX, at the recommended doses, will only kill pathogenic bacteria, with a favorable modulation of the gastrointestinal microflora. Antibiotics kill pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. Scientific trials have proven this selective mechanism:

• In vitro: Vedia Laboratory. Czech Republic. 2000
• In vivo: Chulalongkorn University. Thailand. 2001
• IDA. Morelia, Michoacán. Mexico. 1999

pH

Even though CITREX has a very low pH, 1.5 to 3, it is non corrosive (it does not burn), because it is not a strong acid. Since its mechanism of action is not pH dependent, CITREX can work either in alkaline or acid pH.

Volatility

CITREX does not volatilize. It is still present and effective even when submitted to high temperatures. CITREX needs a liquid media to kill bacteria.

Time to Kill

Chemicals kill instantly and most have a very limited residual action. CITREX needs time to kill 1 to 5 minutes but it has a long residual action.

Microbiological Efficacy

When performing microbiological tests with CITREX, due to its unique characteristics, it requires some modification to the standard microbiological tests. These are:

• Use a liquid media, test tubes, not Petri dishes (gelatine or solid media) to obtain always repetitive results in killing a specific bacterium.
• Always use a concentration of 107 or less bacteria. In real life conditions when contamination exist usually is 104 to maximum 106.
• Time of contact should be 5 minutes for bacteria and 15 minutes for moulds.

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