Determination of Antibacterial Activity in Plastic Products (ISO 22196)

Antibacterial materials and products have gained widespread and rapid acceptance as they fulfill a new function different from the traditional function of material preservation. Antibacterial products created by adding an antibacterial agent suppress bacterial growth on the surfaces of the products when conditions under which growth will occur are present.

In this way, the surfaces are kept clean and sanitary, as well as the proliferation and spread of the agent is minimized and its negative effects on the environment are reduced. This technology is important for the quality of life in developing countries as well as in developed countries.

Antibacterial products are widely used in plastics, ceramics, coating materials, stainless steel, rubber, natural and artificial leather and similar products in general. These products include various groups such as electrical appliances, personal items, household items, grooming supplies, pet accessories and in-flight equipment.

Published by the Japanese Standards Association, the JIS Z 2801 standard has quickly become an industry standard for antimicrobial hard surface performance in the USA and has been reissued as the ISO 22196 standard by the International Standards Organization (ISO). In this standard, a test method for evaluating the antibacterial activity of antibacterial treated plastics and other non-porous surfaces of plastic products is presented. This standard is intended to be used to evaluate the effects and spread of bacteria on non-porous surfaces without antibacterial treatments. In our country, this standard has been published by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) with the following title: TS ISO 22196 Measurement of antibacterial activity on plastics and other non-porous surfaces.

In the ISO 846 standard, which is a separate standard from this standard, test methods for evaluating the effects and spread of bacteria on non-porous surfaces are described.

Other effects of antibacterial treatments, such as the prevention of biodegradation and odor, for example situations not intended to be used as a method to claim and document the biodegradability of plastic materials, are not covered by this standard.

Antibacterial treated textiles are covered by another ISO standard (ISO 20743) even if the surfaces are coated or laminated. Photocatalytic materials and products are covered by the ISO 27447 standard.

When the ISO 22196 standard was first published, its scope was limited to plastic surfaces. However, in later updates, the scope was expanded to include surfaces made of other non-porous materials. However, there has been no change in the test method based on the JIS Z 2801 standard.

Our organization, among numerous tests, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, within the framework of national and international standards, to health organizations and manufacturers who request antibacterial activity determination test services in plastic products in accordance with ISO 22196 standard gives.