Purpose of Test
The test method aims to quantify the antibacterial properties of textile materials.
This test method is designed to evaluate various types of textiles by performing a 24-hour contact assessment of the bacteriostatic (growth inhibition) and bactericidal (bacteria elimination) properties.
Terminology Defined
Antibacterial Activity – Measures the protection a textile provides against microorganisms, biological fluids, and aerosols.
Bacteriostatic Properties – The capacity of the textile to prevent bacteria growth.
Bactericidal Properties – The capacity of textile to kill bacteria.
Nutritive Broth – A neutralizing solution that helps microorganisms to grow during the test when diluted.
Test Method
Materials Used for Test
- Untreated sample of textile
- Sterile nutritive solution
- Petri dish
- Sealed jars
Testing Procedure
The test undergoes 6 stages to complete the evaluation
- Preparation of samples
- Sterilization
- Inoculation
- Incubation
- Washing or shaking out
- Counting
Test Procedure (Summary)
- Part 1: To start the test, a microorganism is cultured in liquid form. It is standardized to learn the concentration levels of the test microorganism.
- Part 2: The microbial culture is diluted through the use of a sterile nutritive solution.
- Part 3: The control and test fabric samples are inoculated with microorganisms. The microbial suspension touches just the sample textile.
- Part 4: The bacteria levels of the control and test fabrics are identified as “time zero” when washed out with a nutritive broth, then proceeded with dilution and plating.
- Part 5: To verify the effectiveness of the neutralization of antimicrobial agent in the textile, a control is implemented.
- Part 6: Additional inoculations are done to test the control and test fabrics. The materials are left to incubate in sealed jars for 24 hours.
- Part 7: Once the incubation is completed, it is time to identify the microbial concentrations. The decrease in the number of microorganisms from the initial concentrations and control fabric is measured.