Fungal Resistance Testing
Fungal resistance testing evaluates a material’s ability to resist fungal growth, ensuring durability and safety in various environments. It involves exposing materials to fungal spores and monitoring for any signs of degradation or contamination. The test helps determine whether a product can withstand fungal attack, which is critical for materials used in humid or moisture-prone settings. This testing is crucial for industries like construction, textiles, and coatings to ensure longevity and performance.
Why Is Fungal Resistance Testing Important?
Fungi are opportunistic microorganisms that live in damp, nutrient-rich environments. They attach themselves to surfaces and break down the material by releasing enzymes and metabolites. It includes:
- Material Integrity: Long exposure to fungi might degrade tensile strength in materials and, ultimately, induce premature failure. This is critically important in industries such as construction, transport, and healthcare, where durability is essential.
- Health Concerns: Fungal growth on materials causes the release of spores and mycotoxins that are hazardous to human health. Individuals exposed to fungal-contaminated surfaces suffer from diseases, such as respiratory disorder, allergies, and other health disorders.
- Compliance with Regulations: High resistance to fungi is required by various industries to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Non-adherence to these standards results in product recalls, loss of finances, and reputation.
- Product Longevity: Testing helps identify vulnerabilities in materials, enabling manufacturers to improve formulations and extend the product’s lifespan, especially in humid or tropical environments.
- Aesthetic Degradation & Surface Deterioration: Fungal colonization leads to unsightly staining, discoloration, and surface flaking, reducing the visual appeal and market value of buildings and products. Testing evaluates materials and coatings to ensure they resist fungal staining and maintain both appearance and structural quality.
Materials Susceptible to Fungal Growth
It includes:
- Textiles
- Polymers and Plastics
- Coatings and Paints
- Medical Devices
- Food Packaging
- Construction Materials
Fungal Resistance Testing Methods Available at MIS
At Microbe Investigations Switzerland, we offer a comprehensive range of fungal and yeasticidal testing services for a wide range of products. Key fungal resistance testing standards include:
- ASTM G21: This standard evaluates the ability of synthetic polymeric materials to resist the growth of fungi. The test specimen is exposed to fungal spores under controlled conditions, and growth can be observed at a specific time.
- ISO 846: This international standard evaluates the susceptibility of plastics to microorganisms, including fungi. It classifies material resistance based on the extent of fungal growth noted upon testing.
- BS EN 14119: This European standard addresses the assessment of resistance to fungi in materials used in construction and industrial applications.
- AATCC 30: Widely used for textiles, this standard tests the fungal resistance of fabrics to ensure their longevity and hygiene in various applications.
- ASTM D3273: The ASTM D3273 test evaluates the resistance of paint films to the growth of mold and mildew.
Common Fungal strains used for testing at MIS Lab
- Candida auris
- Candida albicans
- Aspergillus niger
- Talaromyces pinophilus (formerly Penicillium funiculosum)
- Chaetomium globosum
- Trichophyton mentagrophytes
- Trichoderma virens
- Aureobasidium pullulans
Additional strains can be included upon the client’s request.
How Your Product Is Tested
The process typically includes the following steps:
1. Sample Preparation
- Samples of the material are prepared according to the requirements of the test standard. Samples thus prepared should be cleaned and sterilized to remove any existing microorganisms.
2. Inoculation with Fungal Spores
- Inoculate the test material with a specific concentration of spores of the fungal species. Common test organisms are Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, and Penicillium funiculosum.
3. Controlled Incubation
- The inoculated samples are kept in a controlled environment, preferably in a chamber with controlled temperature and humidity. An incubation period of about 14–28 days is usually taken, depending on the standard followed.
4. Visual and Microscopic Assessment
- Samples are examined for fungal development after incubation. The examination consists of both visual examination and microscopic analysis to quantify the degree of fungal colonization.
5. Performance Evaluation
- The results are compared against the benchmark criteria outlined in the test standard. Materials are categorized by their resistance levels, from no growth (excellent resistance) to extensive growth (poor resistance).
6. Reporting
- A detailed report is then prepared that describes the test process, observation, and results of the performance. This report helps the manufacturers identify weaknesses and derive material improvements based on this information.
At MIS we provide comprehensive antifungal testing services.With cutting-edge technology and a team of expert microbiologists, we aim to provide rapid and reliable results, adhering to international standards to help clients assess the antimicrobial efficacy of their products. Contact us today to learn more about our testing services.
Other Industries
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a test for the assessment of inhibition or resistance of a product toward fungal growth under controlled conditions.
ASTM G21, ISO 846, BS EN 1411, and AATCC 30 are some of the international standards used to test fungal resistance.
Products like textiles, coatings, plastics, medical devices, and construction materials can be tested.
The turnaround time varies between 4 – 5 weeks, depending on the test method and complexity.
Ready to test your product?
