ISO 13629-2
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ISO 13629-2
ISO 13629-2 – Determination of the antifungal activity of textile products – 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.
This method applies to a wide range of textile products from fibers and yarns to fabrics, clothing, bed linen and home furnishings. 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.
ISO 13629-2 test conditions
The ISO 13629 2 test requires controlled environmental conditions to yield accurate and reproducible results. These include:
- Maintaining a constant temperature of 30°C.
- The incubation period should be at least 48 hrs to allow for the growth of fungi.
- Test specimens, including both treated and untreated textile samples, are exposed to a fungal spore suspension of specific reference fungi.
Test organisms
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.
Test product information
The standard ISO 13629 2 covers a wide range of textile products including but not limited to:
- Clothing and apparel
- Bed linens and household textiles
- Upholstery and furniture fabrics
- Industrial textiles and more
ISO 13629-2 test requirements
For testing, 12 treated textile samples and 12 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; this substitution should be recorded on the request form.
The test requires that specimens be prepared based on their water absorption characteristics:
- Absorption method
The specimen should weigh 0.40 ± 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 ± 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. This method deals with the quantification of the number of viable fungal colonies present on both treated and untreated textile samples, which then allows for the comparison of fungal growth inhibition. The steps involved are:
- Preparation of test specimens
Preparation of Test Specimens: Six test specimens from treated fabric and six control specimens are taken. Specimens are inoculated with a spore suspension containing the reference test organism.
- 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 30°C 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.
Compliance and industry standards for ISO 13629-2
ISO 13629-2 is an internationally recognized standard. Compliance with this standard ensures that textile products meet stringent requirements for antifungal efficacy. It also provides manufacturers and consumers with confidence in the product’s performance.
Several industries including healthcare, hospitality and consumer goods, use fungus-resistant textiles. By complying with this standard, manufacturers can prove the safety, durability and efficacy of their products in preventing fungal growth.
Advantages of ISO 13629-2 test standard
The ISO 13629 2 standard offers several advantages for manufacturers:
- Reliable data
The plate count method produced quantitative data on antifungal activity.
- Versatility
The standard is applicable to a wide range of textile products ranging from clothing to industrial fabrics.
- International recognition
Compliance with ISO 13629 2 ensures acceptance in global markets, increasing the credibility of the product.
- Comprehensive evaluation
The test assesses both fungistatic and fungicidal effects, providing a complete picture of the product’s antifungal capabilities.
Conclusion
ISO 13629 2 test is an essential standard for testing the antifungal action of textile products. 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.
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.
Reach out to our specialists today to find out more or to schedule your test!
FAQs
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.
ISO 13629-2 particularly evaluates the ability of textiles to inhibit fungal growth. Other standards may consider other properties such as durability or resistance towards chemicals.
Test samples are exposed to 30°C for a period of 48 hours to allow for the growth of fungi.
Standard test time is 48 hours of incubation, although extended tests are possible to check for long-term effects.
The essential laboratory apparatus employed in this test include incubators, Petri dishes and culture media like Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA).
- 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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