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ISO 13629-2
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Quick understanding of the test
ISO 13629-2 - Determination of antifungal activity of textile products
Application
- Aspergillus niger
- Aspergillus brasiliensis
- Treated and untreated textile samples are exposed to fungal spore suspension .
- Samples are incubated at 30ยฐC for 48 hours.
- Initial fungal count, also known as “time zeroโ is determined.
- After incubation, samples are shaken in a neutralizing solution followed by serial dilution and incubation.
- Antifungal activity is calculated by comparing the reduction in fungal growth between time zero and 48 hours
- Provides quantitative data on antifungal activity.
- Ensures compliance with international standards for credibility in global markets.
Turnaround Time
The test provides antifungal activity values:
- A < 1: No antifungal activity
- 1 < A < 2: Low fungistatic activity
- 2 < A < 3: Medium fungistatic activity
- A > 3: Strong fungistatic activity
- 0 CFU: Complete fungicidal activity
Passing criteria
Products must exhibit an A value > 1 for acceptable antifungal activity, with higher values indicating better performance.
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Abstract
ISO 13629-2 – is a standard testing procedure used to assess the antifungal activity of textile products. It focuses on determining the fungistatic or fungicidal action of materials impregnated with antifungal agents using the plate count technique, ensuring manufacturers that their products can efficaciously restrain fungal growth.
It ensures the quantitative measurement of antifungal activity by comparing treated and untreated textile specimens against a known fungal challenge. This method has a huge contribution in deciding whether or not the product will inhibit fungal growth and its potential to prevent contamination in risk-prone environments.
Scope of the products to be tested with ISO 13629-2
The standard ISO 13629 2 covers a wide range of textile products including but not limited to:
- fibers,
- clothing,
- bed linen,
- yarns,
- bedclothings,
- and home furnishings.
Mandatory strains
The common test fungi used in ISO 13629 2 are Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus brasiliensis. These are often found in soil, decaying vegetation and indoor environments, making them relevant for testing textiles that potentially come into contact with such conditions.
ISO 13629-2 test requirements
Mandatory Test Strains
The common test fungi used in ISO 13629 2 are Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus brasiliensis.
Sample requirements
For testing, treated textile samples and control samples are needed. Control samples should be identical to the treated samples without the antifungal treatment. If untreated textile samples are not available, testing can be carried out using 100% cotton as the control sample after washing at a temperature of 60 ยฐC without detergents or any brighteners, with mechanical agitation and rinsing.
The test requires that specimens be prepared based on their water absorption characteristics:
- Absorption method
The specimen should weigh 0.40 ยฑ 0.05 grams and have an appropriate size for testing textile materials that absorb water.
- Transfer method
Specimens of non-water-absorbent textiles must be circular, 3.8 ยฑ 0.1 cm in diameter, free of seams, selvages, embroidery, zippers, or other irregularities.
The prepared specimens are then inoculated with the spore suspension of the fungi and incubated under controlled conditions.
ISO 13629-2 test methodology
The test methodology for ISO 13629 2 focuses on the plate count method.
- Inoculation
Six test specimens from treated fabric and six control specimens are inoculated with a spore suspension.”
- Initial fungal count
Three specimens from both the treated and control groups are shaken with neutralizing solution after inoculation. Dilutions of these samples are inoculated on to the petri dishes containing Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium. This step determines the initial fungal count, also known as “time zero.”
- Incubation
The remaining three specimens from both groups are incubated at 30ยฐC for 48 hours.
- Final fungal count
The treated and control specimens are again shaken in a neutralizing solution after incubation and the number of fungi present is counted. The difference in fungal growth between time zero and 48 hours indicates the antifungal activity.
- Calculation of antifungal activity (A Value)
Antifungal activity value, A, is calculated by comparing fungal growth on both treated and control samples.
Efficacy criteria
The following criteria is used to determine if the textile product passes the test.
- A < 1: No antifungal activity.
- 1 < A < 2: Low fungistatic activity.
- 2 < A < 3: Medium fungistatic activity.
- A > 3: Strong fungistatic activity.
- 0 CFU: Complete fungicidal activity.
This step-wise procedure allows for the accurate determination of antifungal activity ensuring that the textile product meets the industry standards for performance.
Importance of ISO 13629-2 test
In the textile industry, ISO 13629-2 testing is very crucial as it provides a standard method for manufacturers to check the fungicidal effectiveness of their materials. Molds and mildew can be quite problematic especially for textiles used in damp places. Therefore, the ability of these textiles to control the growth of these fungi is essential to prevent material degradation. Implementation of this standard enables manufacturers to ensure that their textile products, apart from aesthetic character, do not harbor fungi growth thus providing safety protection for a longer time in infected environments. It ensures quality preservation in products and provides consumers with safety while targeting specific standards of conformance in the industry.
Need help with 13629 2 testing
To guarantee that your textile products adhere to the highest antifungal standards and offer enduring protection, collaborate with Microbe Investigations Switzerland. Our ISO 13629-2 testing services provide dependable and thorough test results to support your product’s integrity and build customer trust.
To get a quote on ASTM D6400 or want to know more about our services, reach out to our specialists today.
Frequently Asked Questions
DR. Martinoz Scholtz
Manufacturers of textiles whose materials are expected to be used in high-moisture environments must adopt ISO 13629 2 test to evaluate the antifungal activity.
ISO 13629 2 test enables compliance of products with international standards as it provides reliable data on the textile’s antifungal ability.
Test samples are exposed to 30ยฐC for a period of 48 hours to allow for the growth of fungi.
Proper laboratory protocols should be followed when handling fungal spores to prevent contamination and ensure operator safety.
Testing of textile products should be regularly performed for those products that are likely to be used in high-risk environments to ensure continued antifungal activity.
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