Terpenes

Terpenes are part of a diverse family of compounds that share a common structural element known as an isoprene unit. Many isoprene compounds are naturally occurring and are regularly encountered within the food chain as flavour and fragrance agents.

In nature, Terpene compounds function as defense mechanisms in many plant groups and are synthesized in response to elicitor chemicals produced following infection, stress or mechanical injury. Terpenes also play a role in protecting plants from insects as they have repellent and insecticidal properties. Because isoprene compounds occur in the food chain, with careful selection and formulation of terpene mixtures, their associated toxicity profiles are favorable, facilitating environmental and regulatory acceptance and offering the markets a far less toxic alternative to traditional chemical products. Terpenes also have well-documented bactericidal and fungicidal activity. The Terpenes used in FASST Seals^TM are listed on the EPA 25b Actives List are GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) and are exempt from EPA registration.

Terpene volatility is a feature of Terpene molecules which often limit their use as repellents and insecticides. Their volatility results in limited residual activity. Proprietary know-how and technology enables the Terpenes contained in FASST Seals^TM to be released on a timed basis with extended residual activity.

Geraniol

One of the important Terpenes contained in FASST Seals^TM is Geraniol. FASST has over 15 years experience in the research and development of Geraniol based insect control products. Research was conducted with Professor Emeritus, Dr. Jerry F. Butler, University of Florida. FASST has been the exclusive licensee of the University of Florida Geraniol Patents. Professor Butler developed and patented an Olfactometer (see photos attached) which can simultaneously monitor, with computer sensors, attractants and repellent performance at 9 stations each of which mimics human skin with carbon dioxide attractant. The sensors can monitor biting and feeding of the insects at each station. The substance to be tested is placed at one of the stations and compared with other attractants and repellents. The Olfactometer tests monitor and compare insect biting and feeding for each substance tested. Dr. Butler found that Geraniol had broad based insect repellent properties. Dr. Butler's Olfactometer work resulted in the issuance of over 70 patents. FASST has developed consumer, commercial, agro-industrial products based on Geraniol and Dr. Butler's work.

Polymer and Zeolite Technology

Fast Seals^TM incorporate years of experience in encapsulating Terpenes and volatile fragrances into polymer using sophisticated extrusion equipment which controls the addition of ingredients into the polymer to 0.01%. The polymer and active ingredients are processed at high temperature and pressure so that the Terpenes become trapped by the long chain polymer molecules.

Zeolites are the aluminosilicate members of the family of microporous solids known as "molecular sieves." The term molecularsieve refers to a particular property of these materials, i.e., the ability to selectively sort molecules based primarily on a size exclusion process. Zeolites are used in the chemical and petroleum industries to adsorb and control the release of chemicals. The Zeolites used in FASST Seals^TM have been chosen and tested to specifically adsorb the Terpenes contained in our seals and provide extended time release in conjunction with the polymer matrix.

FASST has patented the use of Zeolite polymer blocks in repelling red fire ants (RIFA) from electrical boxes for over a year at the high temperatures that electrical boxes can reach sitting in the sun. The Polymer and Zeolite Technology combined with the synergistic activity of the Terpene Active Ingredients incorporated in FASST Seals enables our seals to repel a broad range of insects and rodents as well as stop rodents from gnawing on the seals.