Service for Analysing the Bactericidal and/or Virucidal Activity of Materials
Determination of antibacterial and/or antiviral activity in textile products and plastics and other non-porous surfaces.
TECHNOLOGY DESCRIPTION
In the current socio-health context, an increasing number of companies and research organisations are developing new materials with bactericidal and/or virucidal properties to provide an additional level of safety in controlling pathogenic microorganisms in different environments, such as healthcare, education and food-related settings.
There are a number of international standard methods applicable to certifying the effectiveness of such materials. However, the cost of these certification tests is considerably high, meaning that they are generally restricted to materials whose efficacy has already been demonstrated in the laboratory and for which certification under the corresponding ISO standard is sought.
At the Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology (IDiBE), these standards have been adapted to provide a battery of tests that can be used to carry out similar tests quickly and economically with homologous microorganisms during the early stages of development. At this stage, a larger number of conditions need to be evaluated before arriving at the final material for which the company wishes to obtain certification.
The ISO standards whose tests have been adapted are as follows:
- Measurement of antiviral activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces (ISO 21702:2019)
- Determination of antiviral activity of textile products (ISO 18184:2019)
- Determination of antibacterial activity of textile products (UNE-EN ISO 20743:2014)
- Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces (ISO 22196:2011)
TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS
The tests offered are of particular interest to any company involved in the development or functionalisation of materials. They are also useful in the development of products intended for environments where pathogenic organisms may spread through contact with surfaces, such as hospitals and other types of public buildings. In this context, the materials developed may have a wide range of applications, including furniture, footwear and personal protective equipment (PPE).
ADVANTAGES AND INNOVATIVE ASPECTS
The tests provided as part of the Service for Analysing the Bactericidal and/or Virucidal Activity of Materials are adapted to the capabilities of IDiBE based on those described in the corresponding ISO/UNE standards.
The main advantage of the service offered is IDiBE’s ability to adapt these tests to the client’s needs, making it possible to screen a larger number of materials, conditions, etc. during product development and quickly, reliably and economically identify the ideal candidate for certification by an accredited body.
DEVELOPMENT STAGE
The tests are immediately available in IDiBE laboratories. They provide a tool to support material development (as a step prior to certification) and are already being used by companies in the chemical and textile sectors.
APPLICATION SECTORS
- Chemical and Polymer Industry.
- Textile and Technical Fashion Sector.
- Manufacturers of Healthcare Furniture and Equipment.
- Construction and Interior Finishing Companies.
- Manufacturers of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
María del Mar Ortega-Villaizan Romo – Institute for Research, Development and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology of Elche (IDIBE)