ISO 27447:2019: Test Method for Antibacterial Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
The ISO 27447:2019 standard outlines a method to determine the antibacterial activity of materials containing a photocatalyst or photocatalytic films – by enumerating bacteria after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Airmid Healthgroup provides independent, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing to this standard for photocatalytic ceramics, textiles, glass, plastics, and other treated non-porous surfaces.
Scope of ISO 27447:2019
This standard applies to testing photocatalytic ceramics and other non-porous materials treated with photocatalysts — including textiles, glass, and plastics. It is used by manufacturers seeking to independently validate antibacterial claims for photocatalytic surface products used in construction, healthcare, and consumer applications.
How the ISO 27447:2019 Test Works
Step 1 — Inoculation
Bacteria (Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus) are inoculated onto both the test and control surfaces. Other bacterial strains can be requested depending on the product’s intended application.
Step 2 — UV Light Exposure
Samples are exposed to UV light for a set duration. Viable bacteria are then extracted from both the test and control materials and enumerated using standard microbiological methods.
Step 3 — Antibacterial Activity Calculation
The antibacterial activity of the photocatalyst after UV irradiation is calculated according to the criteria defined in the standard — expressed as a log reduction in viable bacteria.
Step 4 — Dark Control Assessment
The antibacterial effect is also assessed in the dark and incorporated into the final calculations — confirming that any bacterial reduction is specifically due to the photocatalytic mechanism.
Related Video
Sample Submission & Turnaround
Please indicate the number of samples you wish to test and we will provide a quote. Upon receipt of the samples and payment, we will perform testing in full accordance with ISO 27447:2019 and provide a detailed report of the results.
Turnaround Time
4 Weeks
From receipt of samples
Deliverable
Full Report
Detailed results in accordance with ISO 27447:2019
Third-Party Validation
On passing this test, the product can be labelled as having been tested by Airmid Healthgroup to ISO 27447:2019 — in support of any claim relating to the test and data received. Independent third-party validation builds consumer confidence and strengthens regulatory submissions worldwide.
Request a Quote for ISO 27447:2019 Testing
Contact Airmid Healthgroup to discuss your photocatalytic antibacterial testing requirements and receive a tailored quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a photocatalytic material and how does it kill bacteria?
Photocatalytic materials — typically semiconductors such as titanium dioxide (TiO₂) — generate reactive oxygen species when activated by UV or visible light. These reactive species damage the cell walls and genetic material of bacteria on the surface, effectively killing them. ISO 27447:2019 quantifies this antibacterial effect under standardised UV light conditions.
Which bacteria are used in ISO 27447:2019 testing?
Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are the primary test organisms — representing Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria respectively. Other bacterial strains can be accommodated upon request where the manufacturer needs data against specific organisms relevant to their product’s intended application.
Why is testing also done in the dark?
Testing in the dark acts as a control to confirm that any reduction in bacteria is specifically caused by the photocatalytic reaction triggered by UV light — and not by another mechanism such as the physical surface chemistry. This dual assessment makes the results more scientifically robust and credible for regulatory and marketing purposes.
What product types can be tested to ISO 27447:2019?
The standard applies to photocatalytic ceramics and other non-porous materials treated with photocatalysts — including glass, plastics, textiles, coatings, and building materials incorporating photocatalytic technology.
What will I receive after ISO 27447:2019 testing?
You will receive a full GLP-compliant test report detailing the methodology, bacterial enumeration data, UV and dark condition results, calculated antibacterial activity values, and conclusions — ready to support marketing claims, regulatory submissions, and certification applications.
Related Tests and Services
- ISO 13125:2013 — Antifungal Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
- ISO 18061:2014 — Antiviral Activity of Photocatalytic Materials (UV)
- ISO 18071:2016 — Antiviral Activity of Photocatalytic Materials (Visible Light)
- ASTM G21 — Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi
- Microbiology Laboratory Services
- Claims Verification Services
