So, what’s worth knowing about microorganisms—or microbes, as they're also called?
We live in a microbiological world. The Earth has belonged to microorganisms since life began approximately 4.5 billion years ago. A microbe is a tiny, microscopic organism that is too small to be seen with the naked eye. Microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and some types of algae and protozoa. They exist everywhere on Earth—in the air, soil, water, and inside our bodies. While some microbes can cause diseases, most are harmless, and many are actually beneficial, playing crucial roles in processes like digestion, fermentation, and the decomposition of organic matter.
Now back to the story. The Earth looked completely different from today and nothing changed for a long time. But when the first photosynthetic microorganisms began filling the atmosphere with oxygen, maybe 2.5 billion years ago, a new era on Earth began. For many life forms, the gas was toxic, but in the long run, oxygen enabled the development of multicellular organisms, including ourselves.
Microorganisms made the Earth habitable. All the visible life we see around us—animals, plants, and fungi—has emerged as a direct result of this. We originate from the single-celled life forms, and they are still absolutely essential for all living beings. At every moment, we are colonized by a diverse ecosystem in miniature, both on the outside and inside of our bodies. And this is something good.
The microorganisms that live in symbiosis with us keep us healthy and make our bodies function. They defend us against disease-causing bacteria and produce vitamins that we need. As our understanding of the importance of microorganisms increases, our way of viewing them also changes. This is especially true in the field of hygiene. The previous view of bacteria was based on the idea that most caused diseases and therefore needed to be eradicated from all environments. Now we realize that the vast majority are harmless. Many are even beneficial and necessary. We are starting to see them as allies—and their invisible power as something fantastic, fascinating, and highly useful.
We humans and our ecosystem can benefit from the power and properties of microorganisms by studying what they can do in nature. They break down substances that we don't want (fats and other dirt) but also other substances, such as unpleasant environmental toxins. For a microorganism, anything can be a potential source of energy or building material for the cell. Because they survive and thrive in the most inhospitable places on Earth, they also produce biochemical molecules that are active under extreme conditions, such as in intense heat or cold.
All microbiological life used in the service of humans is divided into four classes. The microorganisms used in Pure Effects cleaning products are beneficial bacteria, mainly Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus spp. They belong to class 1, which means that they are documented to be completely harmless to humans, animals, and nature. They already exist in our environment, do not cause diseases, and cannot mutate into something dangerous. (Source: The National Institute of Health – NIH).
"Since the turn of the millennium, our understanding of bacteria has undergone a radical change: they are no longer enemies but irreplaceable."
~ Ed Yong
Want to dive in?
For healthier buildings, just add bacteria
We’re covered in germs, let’s design for that
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FAQ
What are microorganisms? Microorganisms were the first life on Earth after it formed 4-5 billion years ago. They are the core of nature's own cleaning system. Each of us carries around 10,000 species of microbes and bacteria. They are an important part of the body's immune system, and we would not survive without them.
What is biotechnology? Biotechnology is the use of microorganisms to create something beneficial for humans. Biotechnological processes have been used for thousands of years, for example, to bake bread and produce beer or wine. Nowadays, it is also used to produce medicines, biogas, etc. Pure Effect uses biotechnology for cleaning and odor removal in clothing care and for the home.