Antimicrobial plastic testing : ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180
Antimicrobial plastics are plastic materials that are impregnated with antimicrobial agents. The development of these materials has led to their widespread use in several sectors including medical, food packaging and construction. They prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms thus maintaining hygiene and increasing the shelf life of the product.
However, assessing the effectiveness of these antimicrobial plastics is important. Standards like ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180 provide guidelines for evaluating the antibacterial activity on plastic surfaces thus providing a benchmark for manufacturers and consumers.
This article talks about the similarities and differences between ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180, and their applications for assessment of antimicrobial plastics.
ISO 22196 standard
ISO 22196 test method is used for measuring the antibacterial activity on plastic surfaces. It involves maintaining appropriate contact between the bacterial inoculum and treated plastic surface for a specific contact time. After the contact time, the residual live bacteria is recovered and enumerated. The live bacterial count recovered from the treated plastic is then compared with that recovered from untreated plastic.
ASTM E2180 standard
ASTM E2180 provides guidelines for determining the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents impregnated into polymeric or hydrophobic materials. This method involves spreading the agar slurry containing the bacterial inoculum on the plastic surface and incubating under controlled conditions for specific contact time. The residual live bacteria is recovered after the contact time and enumerated. The live bacterial count recovered from the treated plastic is compared with that recovered from untreated plastic.
What are the similarities between ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180 test methods?
Objectives
- The primary goal of ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180 is to quantitatively measure the antibacterial activity of treated plastic or polymeric materials. These standards aid in the comparison of antimicrobial properties of different products and materials, thus helping in the development and improvement of antimicrobial treatments.
Mandatory test strains
- The mandatory test strains for ISO 22196 include Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli whereas ASTM E2180 specifies the use of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. ASTM E2180 also offers the scope for additional microorganisms like yeast and fungal conidia to address a broader range of antimicrobial applications.
What are the main differences between ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180 test methods?
- Origin of standards
- ISO 22196 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization providing a globally recognized methodology.
- ASTM E2180 was developed by American Society for Testing and Materials International which is commonly used in the United States but is also applied internationally.
- Scope of products tested
- ISO 22196 is used to test plastic materials and other non-porous materials.
- ASTM E2180 has a broader applicability and covers polymeric or hydrophobic materials used in making medical devices and consumer products.
How to choose the right standard: ISO 22196 vs ASTM E2180?
Manufacturers must consider certain factors while choosing between ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180 to determine the most appropriate method for testing their products as per their specific needs.
- Specific regulatory requirements
- Material of the product to be tested and
- Scope of applications
Microbial Investigations Switzerland (MIS) offers comprehensive antimicrobial plastic testing services that adhere to ISO 22196 and ASTM E2180 standards. With cutting-edge technology and a team of dedicated microbiologists, we ensure to comply with international standards to provide our clients with accurate and reliable results.
Looking for ISO 22196 or ASTM E2180 testing for your products, talk to our experts here.
