Microbiological Tests
Microbiological safety is of great importance throughout all processes of medical devices, biomaterials, and pharmaceutical products, from production to reaching the end user. Within this scope, microbiological tests are applied to verify that products are free from microbial contamination, to ensure sterility conditions, and to guarantee product safety.​
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In our laboratory, various microbiological tests are performed in accordance with relevant ISO and ASTM standards such as ISO 20743, ASTM E2149-20, and Agar Disk Diffusion.
Textile: Determination of Antibacterial Activity of Textile Products
ISO 20743
“ISO 20743 – Textiles – Determination of antibacterial activity of textile products” is an international test standard used to determine the effectiveness of antibacterial-treated textile products against microorganisms. This globally accepted standard evaluates how effective products are against microbial contamination, while also allowing the assessment of the continuity of effectiveness throughout production, use, and washing processes.
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Test Process and Methods
The ISO 20743 standard provides various test methods suitable for different intended uses:
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Absorption Method: The bacterial suspension is applied directly to the test specimen, and surviving bacteria are counted using microbiological techniques.
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Transfer Method: Bacteria are transferred from an agar plate to the test specimen; after incubation under humid conditions, the bacterial population is evaluated.
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Printing (Imprint) Method: The survival rate of bacteria applied to the specimen surface via a filter is measured after a short incubation period.
Among the bacterial strains frequently used within the scope of these methods are Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
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The ISO 20743 standard is an important quality indicator for the acceptance of textile products in the international market. This test, which documents the scientific and technical reliability of products with antibacterial properties, also enables the evaluation of products in terms of user safety.
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As GUIS Pharmaceutical R&D, we provide comprehensive analysis services for testing the antibacterial activity of textile products within the scope of the ISO 20743 standard. Through analyses conducted on a wide range of products such as fabrics, yarns, home textiles, and technical textiles, we provide our clients with reliable results in compliance with international standards.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity under Dynamic Contact Conditions
ASTM E2149-20
The ASTM E2149-20 – Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity under Dynamic Conditions standard is particularly used for the assessment of flat or porous materials that are coated with or treated with antibacterial agents. This method is conducted under continuous agitation (dynamic contact) throughout the test duration, ensuring maximum contact between the agent and microorganisms. In this way, the antimicrobial effect of the material is measured under conditions that reflect more realistic usage scenarios.
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The ASTM E2149-20 test is suitable for materials used in areas where contact is limited but hygiene is critical, such as filter materials, medical device components, automotive interior surfaces, plastics, and polymers. In this respect, the test offers a unique advantage by providing performance evaluation under dynamic conditions in cases where static methods are insufficient.
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This test is an important criterion that documents product reliability in the international market for manufacturers who wish to evaluate the performance of antibacterial products with high sensitivity. Especially in situations where parameters such as contact time, surface properties, and agent transfer mechanisms are critical, the ASTM E2149-20 method makes a significant contribution to product development and quality control processes.
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As GUIS Pharmaceutical R&D, we provide testing services within the scope of the ASTM E2149-20 standard to evaluate the effectiveness of antibacterial coatings and surfaces. Through the analyses we conduct for a wide range of material groups, we help you document the compliance of your products with international standards and support you in guaranteeing reliability and quality.
Agar Disk Diffusion
The Agar Disk Diffusion Test is a test method developed to measure the antibacterial activity that diffuses from the surface of a material or product into the surrounding environment, and it is particularly suitable for antibacterial agents that exhibit release (diffusion). This method is effectively used to verify antimicrobial claims, especially in areas such as textiles, medical materials, packaging, cosmetics, and cleaning products.
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The Agar Disk Diffusion Test has a wide range of applications in the evaluation of products exhibiting antimicrobial activity. It is widely preferred, particularly in sectors where microbial control is critical, such as healthcare, hygiene, and food safety. Antibacterially treated textile products, medical materials, packaging materials, cosmetics and cleaning products, as well as plastic- and polymer-based surface coatings constitute the main product groups to which this test is applied. This test, which can be used to evaluate all types of materials that release antibacterial agents from the product surface into the environment, is an effective analysis method both in the product development process and during quality control stages.