Here is what you need to know about plastics and the developmental assays:

ByTanya Jain

Plastics are inert, stiff, and, most importantly, non-biodegradable. The manufacture of plastic has increased exponentially owing to its multifold usage and demand across industries and households. 

Commercialization of antimicrobial substances needs convincing proof and efficacy of plastics being of a better grade. ISO 22196 is one such approach that aids in investigating microbial growth on plastic surfaces and its consequences. It is performed by in vitro approaches. Furthermore, it enables the investigation of microbial activity and the development of anti-microbe treatments. 

The hazards of plastics: 

The concerns related to plastic has been recognized as a global environmental concern. The by-products and plastic wastage have created havoc for life on Earth because undesirable accumulation in landfills and seepage of microplastics into the soil has increased greenhouse emissions and relevant issues. 

Importance in the health care industry: 

Bactericidal materials have gained popularity in the healthcare business due to protecting material surfaces against microbial colonization and sickness transmission. Several methodologies for studying the antibacterial behaviour of active characters have been developed, with this testing method as the gold standard. These results from the test are also used to compare various antibacterial testing procedures for surface polymers. 

The iso 22196 procedure is intended to examine the ability of plastics to prevent or eliminate germ development after 24 hours of contact. It’s a sensitive test, which means it can identify antimicrobial effects at low dosages for extended periods. Instead of being limited to solely plastic surfaces, the method’s second edition expands its use to various non-porous materials. 

A closer look at antimicrobial plastics: 

Antimicrobial plastic is a type of synthetic polymer that contains an active component that inhibits the growth of bacteria. These compounds are known as antimicrobial additives. They are, in essence, microbiological watchdogs. 

Antimicrobial polymers are often used in hospitals and the medical industry. These polymers are utilized to manufacture medical equipment, pharmaceutical storage containers, medical wearables, and so on. These items are created by doing extensive research and evaluating the outcomes over time under various conditions. 

Previously, understanding antibiotic components and processes were not as usual as now. With advancements in microbiology and research, we might expect to see substantial consequences now and again.  

Several experiments are being developed to investigate various surfaces. We currently have mechanisms in place to investigate both hard and soft surfaces. The ISO 22196 test has grown in popularity as its principal use is in the medical business. The medical device market is predicted to grow by double digits in the following years. Even though medical devices have a broad range of design and usage features, several parameters indicate a device’s susceptibility to microbial contamination and biofilm formation. 

The length of use, device material, type of organisms and exposure with the device and equipment are some factors to be considered. 

Other implications of the antimicrobial surfaces: 

  • The shelf life can be extended by applying artificial preservatives or taking care of them during the manufacturing process. Because consumers are currently looking for preservative-free, long-lasting meals, the industry is being driven to revaluate its production techniques.  

  • Besides this, antimicrobial surfaces are widely used in the medical industry. More care may be taken throughout the process of surface contact. Instead of employing multiple chemicals and antimicrobial agents, it is better to develop surfaces that don’t allow microbial actions. Using tests such as iso 22196 is one technique to enhance the production process of similar products. 

  • This test also has implications for the development of antibacterial agents. Manual cleaning with antibacterial agents is the most common disinfection method in all situations. 

 Antimicrobial surfaces have recently been hired to eliminate their role as reservoirs for possible risks permanently. The results are anti-adhesive surfaces, contact and active surfaces, biocide-releasing surfaces, and altered topographies. Another approach for surface disinfection that may be employed is automatic cleaning using UV light. 

How trustworthy are the findings? 

Some argue that the technique does not accurately depict contamination and consequences. While a treated surface may meet ISO 22196 criteria, it may not produce the same results in real-world’ examinations. It’s worth mentioning that it may be examined in a lab setting rather than in the field. 

Despite this, the approach enables us to control elements that would otherwise interfere with or obscure the performance of the materials.