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ASTM E2149: 2025
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Quick understanding of the test
ASTM E2149: 2020 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Antimicrobial Activity of Immobilized Antimicrobial Agents Under Dynamic Contact Conditions
- Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739)
- Treated and untreated samples are placed in different flasks and inoculated with bacterial suspension.
- The flasks are shaken to ensure good contact between bacteria and fabric samples.
- Microbial concentrations in the flasks containing treated and untreated specimens are measured at specified time intervals to evaluate antimicrobial activity.
- This test simulates real-world conditions by evaluating the effectiveness of antimicrobial surfaces under dynamic contact.
- ASTME 2149 is applicable to a variety of materials, including plastics, coatings, textiles, and more.
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Abstract
The ASTM E2149 test method evaluates the antibacterial activity of immobilized antimicrobial agents under dynamic contact conditions. It measures how effectively treated, non-leaching materials reduce viable bacterial counts when exposed to a controlled microbial suspension with constant agitation.
This method provides a quantitative comparison of bacterial reduction between treated samples and untreated controls after a defined contact period.
ASTM E2149 also referred as “shake flask test. Immobilized antimicrobial agents, such as surface bonded materials, are not free to diffuse into their environment under normal conditions of use. By maintaining continuous agitation during testing, the method ensures consistent contact between the bacteria and the treated surface, allowing for an accurate evaluation of antimicrobial efficacy.
Products that can be tested using ASTME 2149
The ASTM E2149 test is versatile and can be applied to a wide range of products including
- Hydrophobic Fabric
- Paper
- Powder
- Granular materials
- Other solids
These products are characterized by irregular shapes or hydrophobic surfaces that render the use of conventional testing techniques impractical.
What claims can ASTME 2149 validate?
The test method, ASTM E2149 can validate the antimicrobial claims against the following microorganisms –
Bacteria –
- Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P)
- Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352)
- Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442)
- Enterococcus hirae (ATCC 10541)
- MRSA (ATCC 33591)
- Salmonella enterica (ATCC 10708)
Fungi –
- Candida albicans (MTCC 3017)
Steps for ASTM E2149 Test Method
- The test microorganism culture is standardized and diluted to sterile buffer in order to prepare the inoculum.
- A fixed volume of microbial suspension in dispensed into 250 mL flasks placed for treated, untreated and inoculum-only (Blank) specimens.
- Both antimicrobial-treated, untreated specimens are placed in separate flasks and blank has no specimen.
- The flasks are agitated for the specified contact time of 1 hour.
- After contact time, the microorganisms from each flask are enumerated and the reduction is calculated for both treated and untreated samples.
- If the test specimen has substantial reduction in microorganisms related to either inoculum only or untreated specimen, it is concluded that it is antimicrobial.
Strengths
- This is the only test method applicable specifically for evaluating non-leaching materials with irregular surfaces.
- Its applicability to a broad spectrum of products of various shapes and sizes makes it a reliable benchmark for antimicrobial performance comparison.
Limitations
- The dynamic shaking conditions may not accurately represent real-world exposure or surface-use scenarios.
- For objects with flat and smooth surfaces, other test methods such as JIS Z 2801, ISO 22196 are recommended over ASTM E2149.
Conclusion
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland (MIS), we offer ASTM E2149 testing services to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of non-leaching materials under dynamic contact conditions. Our team ensures precise, reproducible, and standardized testing to help you demonstrate the effectiveness of antimicrobial additives and validate product performance.
Partner with MIS to verify your material’s antimicrobial efficacy, enhance product credibility, and ensure compliance with industry standards.
Contact us today to discuss your ASTM E2149 testing requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
ASTM E2149 is a sensitive test used for determining the antimicrobial activity of immobilized antimicrobial agents under dynamic contact conditions. It measures the antimicrobial activity of non-leaching, irregularly shaped, or hydrophobic surfaces.
The test is applicable to measuring the antimicrobial activity of non-leaching (immobilized and not water-soluble), irregularly shaped, or hydrophobic surfaces. Products tested include fabric, paper, powder, granular material, and other solids.
The test takes 3 to 4 days to complete.
The microorganisms typically include common bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative). Other microorganisms like Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and fungi like Candida albicans may also be used depending on the specific requirements of the test.
The shake flask method is used in a laboratory to assess the antibacterial efficacy of treated materials. In this method, treated samples are cultured in a nutrient broth containing a particular microorganism. The flask is agitated to facilitate better distribution and contact of the microorganisms with the treated material. After the incubation period, the decrease in microbial count is measured to determine the antimicrobial effectiveness.
Commodities often tested include textiles, plastics, coatings, polymers, and other substances containing antimicrobial agents. These products are especially employed in healthcare, consumer goods, food packaging, and other areas where there is a necessity to prevent microorganism growth.
Before conducting the test, ensure that the product samples are cut to appropriate sizes according to the protocol. The samples should be in a germ-free state and handled aseptically to reduce interference by unwanted organisms. Follow the specific sample preparation procedures given by the testing laboratory.
This test determines the ability of coated or treated textile samples to control microbial growth. It involves exposing the tested material to a microbial growth medium containing viable microbial cells. Each sample-containing flask is shaken to facilitate contact between microorganisms and the treated textile. Subsequently, microbial count is determined, followed by the evaluation of microbial reduction to assess the antimicrobial effectiveness of the textile.
Yes, this test can help in extending the shelf life of antimicrobial products by providing information on how effective antimicrobial treatments are over a certain period. Manufacturers can justify claims about the longevity and durability of their products’ antimicrobial properties by demonstrating sustained antimicrobial activity.
Yes, some specific industries like healthcare, food packaging, and consumer products may require this test by regulations or customer requirements. These requirements ensure that antimicrobial treatments are effective in reducing microbial contamination to safe levels for product consumption.
This testing helps maintain compliance with international antimicrobial standards by providing a method to test antimicrobial performance. The data generated can be used as evidence of antimicrobial efficacy necessary for claims and compliance with these standards.
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