BIOSAFE
BIOSAFE is a specialty chemical technology platform that manufactures EPA-registered silane-quat antimicrobial polymers for incorporation into plastics, coatings, textiles, and food contact surfaces, serving healthcare, food service, building products, and consumer goods manufacturers through Gelest Inc. and OEM licensing partners.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersPittsburgh, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What BIOSAFE does
BIOSAFE is a specialty chemical technology platform that manufactures EPA-registered silane-quat antimicrobial polymers for incorporation into plastics, coatings, textiles, and food contact surfaces. The core technology operates by forming a colorless, odorless, positively charged polymer that covalently bonds to substrate surfaces and physically ruptures microbial cell membranes on contact, distinguishing it from leaching alternatives such as silver-based antimicrobials and triclosan. The product portfolio comprises the HM4100 polymeric powder (EPA Reg. No. 83019-1) for plastic compounding and three liquid formulations — HM4005 (5% in water, EPA 83019-3), HM4001 RTU (ready-to-use water-based, EPA 83019-2), and HM4072 (72% in methanol, EPA 83019-4) — for coatings and surface treatments, plus the XYLEX Protect clean-surface coating for healthcare environments. Active loadings of 0.1%-1.0% (1-10 parts per thousand) deliver bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and algistatic protection for up to 30 days on treated surfaces.
BIOSAFE is owned, manufactured, and globally marketed exclusively by Gelest Inc., a specialty silicones and organosilanes manufacturer that was itself acquired by Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation in October 2020. The technology originated from an active ingredient developed and EPA-registered in the mid-1970s and has accumulated over 35 years of field application history. BIOSAFE generates revenue through two streams: direct B2B sales of chemical additives (sold by Gelest's technical sales force at quote-based pricing) and OEM licensing/royalty arrangements under which partners embed BIOSAFE into their own branded finished products. Named OEM licensees include Careismatic Brands (Certainty SmartBoost laundry additive), National Wiper Alliance (QuatKeeper foodservice towels), CrossTex (medical face masks), King Plastics (King MediGrade building sheets), and Crothall Healthcare (XYLEX Protect hospital surface protocols). Primary verticals are healthcare/medical and food service/food contact, with secondary reach into building products, textiles/fabric care, and sporting goods.
The company's regulatory footprint — EPA registrations across four SKUs, FDA food contact approval, NSF-51 certification, FDA 510(k) clearance as a modifier for Class I and II medical devices, ISO 22196 antimicrobial performance validation, and ISO 10993 biocompatibility testing — constitutes the primary barrier to entry and underwrites OEM customer adoption. BIOSAFE is differentiated on safety profile (zero-VOC, non-leaching, non-carcinogenic), environmental compatibility (no conditions that promote resistant microorganisms), and durability (covalent substrate bonding rather than topical coating). The technology's mode of action is mechanical rather than chemical poisoning, which the company cites as eliminating the resistance-development risk associated with silver- and triclosan-based antimicrobials.
BIOSAFE firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- BIOSAFE
- Legal name
- Gelest Inc.
- Website
- https://biosafe.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- BIOSAFE is a specialty chemical technology platform that manufactures EPA-registered silane-quat antimicrobial polymers for incorporation into plastics, coatings, textiles, and food contact surfaces, serving healthcare, food service, building products, and consumer goods manufacturers through Gelest Inc. and OEM licensing partners.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
BIOSAFE industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Antimicrobial Polymer Additives
- NAICS
- Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing (325211)
- SIC
- Industrial Organic Chemicals (2860)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Biocides & Disinfection Chemicals (Non-Agricultural) (IMAEAJAL)
Keywords
Where BIOSAFE is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pittsburgh
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
BIOSAFE business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Antimicrobial Polymer Products: Sale of BIOSAFE antimicrobial products including HM4100 polymeric powder, HM4005, HM4001 RTU, and HM4072 liquid concentrates to manufacturers for incorporation into plastics, coatings, textiles, and surface treatments. Products are sold by Gelest Inc. as B2B ingredients/additives.
- Technology Licensing: Gelest licenses BIOSAFE technology to partners who incorporate the antimicrobial into their own branded products such as Certainty SmartBoost (laundry additive), QuatKeeper towels, King MediGrade sheets, and CrossTex medical masks.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
BIOSAFE product offering
Product offeringCore offering
BIOSAFE manufactures and licenses a proprietary silane-quat antimicrobial polymer platform that imparts durable, non-leaching bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and algistatic properties to coatings, plastics, textiles, and surface treatments. The portfolio includes the HM4100 polymeric powder additive and water/methanol-based liquid concentrates (HM4005, HM4001 RTU, HM4072) sold as B2B ingredients, alongside the XYLEX Protect clean surface technology for healthcare facilities.
Product overview
BIOSAFE is a silane-based antimicrobial technology platform providing a portfolio of products for rendering materials inherently antimicrobial. The core offerings include HM4100 polymeric powder for plastic compounding, and three liquid formulations (HM4005, HM4001 RTU, and HM4072) for coatings and surface treatments. Additionally, XYLEX Protect is a clean surface technology that works with disinfectants. The platform is complemented by partner products including Certainty SmartBoost laundry additive, QuatKeeper foodservice towels, and King MediGrade plastic sheets that integrate BIOSAFE technology. The technology operates by forming a positively charged polymer that ruptures microbial cell walls on contact.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- HM4100: Polymeric powder antimicrobial additive that may be compounded into plastics, mixed into coatings, and dispersed in water.
- HM4005
- HM4001 RTU
- HM4072
- XYLEX Protect
- Certainty SmartBoost
- QuatKeeper
Products and services
- HM4100 Polymer Additive Polymeric powder antimicrobial additive for B2B manufacturers; imparts bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and algistatic properties to coatings and resins via compounding into plastics or mixing into coatings and water systems.
- HM4005 Antimicrobial Water-based 5% antimicrobial concentrate for B2B surface treatment applications including dipping, padding, and spray coating of substrates to deliver durable antimicrobial activity.
- HM4001 RTU Antimicrobial Ready-to-use water-based antimicrobial formulation (99% water) for B2B manufacturers to formulate into paints and coatings, providing antimicrobial activity in dried coating films.
- HM4072 Antimicrobial Monomer concentrate at 72% in methanol for B2B formulators of non-leaching silicon-based antimicrobial coatings and treatment formulations across industrial applications.
- XYLEX Protect Clean Surface Technology Water-based clean surface coating for healthcare facilities that enhances standard disinfectants to keep high-touch surfaces hygienically clean for up to five weeks per application.
Quantifiable outcome
- Maintains low ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) levels for five weeks with single application of XYLEX Protect coating
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use BIOSAFE
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
BIOSAFE technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
BIOSAFE partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.
- Gelest, Inc.coreGelest Inc. is the exclusive manufacturer and marketer of BIOSAFE technology. Founded 1999, Gelest is a global leader in silicones, organosilanes, metal-organics, and specialty monomers technology. Acquired by Mitsubishi Chemical in October 2020.
- Careismatic Brands (Certainty Technologies)majorCareismatic Brands uses BIOSAFE technology in their Certainty SmartBoost laundry additive for healthcare uniforms. This water-based additive protects clothing between washings by reducing bacteria and eliminating fabric odors.
- National Wiper AlliancemajorNational Wiper Alliance, industry leader in custom converting dry nonwoven towels for medical, food service, and aerospace industries, selected BIOSAFE for their QUAT KEEPER Foodservice Towels.
- CrossTexmajorCrossTex medical face masks treated with BIOSAFE antimicrobial significantly reduce contamination risk by effectively killing 98.5%-99.999% of harmful microorganisms within 5 minutes.
- King PlasticsmajorKing Plastics uses BIOSAFE in their King MediGrade super tough high-density polyethylene building sheet with advanced antimicrobial technology for protecting product surfaces against stain and odor causing bacteria, algae and fungi for the lifetime of the product.
- Crothall HealthcaremajorCrothall Healthcare uses XYLEX Protect (powered by BIOSAFE) as part of their Compass Five Pillars clean surface technology. Clinically tested in hospital settings to enable more thorough and effective disinfection, maintaining low ATP levels for five weeks.
Scale indicators2 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights3 records
BIOSAFE competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Milliken & Company: Milliken supplies textile and specialty chemical additives including antimicrobial treatments for apparel, healthcare textiles, and flooring. Compares to BIOSAFE's textile and healthcare-vertical licensing model though Milliken is more diversified and vertically integrated.
- Life Material Technologies: Antimicrobial and antiviral additive supplier focused on plastics and textile applications with emerging market presence. Comparable technology and target verticals though smaller-scale than BIOSAFE.
Direct peers
- Sciessent: Sciessent provides AgIon silver-ion-based antimicrobial and odor-control technologies for textiles, apparel, and medical devices. Directly comparable additive technology commercialized through OEM licensing in overlapping verticals (apparel, healthcare, consumer goods).
- Microban International: Microban is the largest dedicated antimicrobial additive brand, offering silver-, zinc-, and quat-based technologies embedded into plastics, coatings, and textiles. Most directly comparable to BIOSAFE in product offering, customer base (manufacturers), and licensing-driven GTM.
- BioCote: BioCote supplies antimicrobial additives (silver-based) integrated into plastics, paints, textiles, and coatings for manufacturers worldwide. Closely comparable B2B/licensing model targeting OEM manufacturers in healthcare, food service, and building products.
- SteriTouch: UK-based antimicrobial additive supplier offering silver-ion-based technology for plastics, paints, textiles, and paper applications. Direct B2B peer serving OEM manufacturers in healthcare and consumer goods.
- Sanitized AG: Swiss-headquartered producer of antimicrobial hygiene function and material protection additives for polymers, textiles, and coatings. Comparable antimicrobial additive portfolio with global licensing into consumer and industrial product manufacturers.
Broad incumbents
- Lonza Group: Global specialty chemicals and CDMO giant with hygiene preservation and antimicrobial offerings across personal care, industrial, and healthcare applications. Overlaps in antimicrobial chemistry for downstream manufacturers but as part of much broader portfolio.
- Dow Chemical: Dow's Plastic Additives and Industrial Intermediates businesses include antimicrobial and biocide product lines serving polymer and coatings manufacturers. Not a pure-play antimicrobial player but a significant competitor in the broader materials additive space.
- BASF: World's largest chemical company with antimicrobial and biocidal solutions in its Performance Chemicals segment serving plastics, coatings, and personal care manufacturers. Less specialized in antimicrobial additives than BIOSAFE but a formidable broad incumbent.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
BIOSAFE social profiles
Digital presenceBIOSAFE compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
BIOSAFE financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
BIOSAFE leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
BIOSAFE funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds4 records
Investors3 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
BIOSAFE M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about BIOSAFE
What does BIOSAFE do?
BIOSAFE manufactures and licenses a proprietary silane-quat antimicrobial polymer platform that imparts durable, non-leaching bacteriostatic, fungistatic, and algistatic properties to coatings, plastics, textiles, and surface treatments. The portfolio includes the HM4100 polymeric powder additive and water/methanol-based liquid concentrates (HM4005, HM4001 RTU, HM4072) sold as B2B ingredients, alongside the XYLEX Protect clean surface technology for healthcare facilities.
Is BIOSAFE a public or private company?
BIOSAFE is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was BIOSAFE founded?
BIOSAFE was founded in 1999. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is BIOSAFE based?
BIOSAFE is headquartered in Pittsburgh, United States, in the North America region.
How does BIOSAFE make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Antimicrobial Polymer Products are the primary driver. The others are technology Licensing.
Who are BIOSAFE's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Milliken & Company and Life Material Technologies. Direct peers are Sciessent, Microban International, BioCote, SteriTouch and Sanitized AG. Broad incumbents are Lonza Group, Dow Chemical and BASF.
Does BIOSAFE have an API?
No public API is recorded for BIOSAFE.
What industry is BIOSAFE in?
BIOSAFE's product category is Antimicrobial Polymer Additives. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAEAJAL, Biocides & Disinfection Chemicals (Non-Agricultural). Its NAICS code is 325211 and its SIC code is 2860.