Antimicrobial testing using new ISO standards is now available from the life sciences research department of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) Product Performance Testing Laboratory.
“Architects and designers are seeking to specify building materials that are resistant to microorganisms and easy to clean and sanitize, while at the same time provide the aesthetics they need,” stated Dr. Jyothi Rangineni, director of research at TCNA. “Therefore, antimicrobial ceramic surfaces—surfaces that can kill, resist or inhibit the growth of microorganisms—will have significant impact for the built environment in the wake of COVID-19.”
The two standards are: ISO 17721-1, 2021 Quantitative determination of antibacterial activity of ceramic tile surfaces — Test methods — Part 1: Ceramic tile surfaces with incorporated antibacterial agents; and ISO 17721-2, 2021 Quantitative determination of antibacterial activity of ceramic tile surfaces — Test methods — Part 2: Ceramic tile surfaces with incorporated photocatalytic antibacterial agents.
As part of her work in the International Standards Organization (ISO) Technical Committee 189 on Ceramic Tiles, Dr. Rangineni chaired the effort that led to the development of these standards with participation of industry and academic experts from all over the world. She and her colleagues are now working to develop antiviral and antifungal test methods specific for ceramic tile.
While many existing microbiological test methods can be applied to various materials, very few previously applied specifically to ceramic tile. The two new ISO test standards test for the antibacterial activity of ceramic surfaces (including surfaces with antimicrobial coatings) using two different bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus) and take into consideration properties that are unique to ceramic products.
According to Katelyn Simpson, TCNA’s director of laboratory services, “Surfaces that prevent transmission and the spread of disease are in high demand, and many new technologies and products have been developed to address this interest. For such products, it’s important for product warranties, marketing and new product development to test to these standards if promoting the efficacy of their antimicrobial properties.”
For more information on TCNA Lab’s Life Sciences Research antiviral, microbiology and cell culture services, email testing@tcnatile.com or call (864) 646-8453.
