ISO 27447:2019: Antibacterial Activity Testing of Photocatalytic Materials
ISO 27447:2019 outlines the method for determining the antibacterial activity of materials containing a photocatalyst or photocatalytic films — by enumerating bacteria after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Airmid Healthgroup provides GLP-compliant, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing to this standard for photocatalytic ceramics, glass, plastics, textiles, and other treated non-porous surfaces.
ISO 27447:2019
Photocatalytic Ceramics
Glass · Plastics · Textiles
GLP-Compliant
4-Week Turnaround
What Is ISO 27447:2019?
The ISO 27447:2019 standard specifies the test method for determining the antibacterial activity of photocatalytic materials — including fine ceramics, glass, plastics, and textiles — by measuring the reduction in viable bacteria after UV light exposure.
This standard applies to photocatalytic ceramics and other non-porous materials treated with photocatalysts. It is used by manufacturers seeking to independently validate antibacterial claims for their photocatalytic surface products.
How the ISO 27447:2019 Test Works
Step 1 — Inoculation
Bacteria (Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus aureus) are inoculated onto 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 the test and control materials and enumerated using established 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 — expressing results 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 reduction in bacteria is specifically due to the photocatalytic activity rather than another mechanism.
Related Video
Sample Submission & Turnaround
Turnaround Time
4 Weeks
From receipt of samples and payment
Deliverable
Full Report
Detailed results in accordance with ISO 27447:2019
Please indicate the number of samples you wish to test and we will provide a tailored quote. Upon receipt of samples and payment, we will perform testing in full accordance with ISO 27447:2019 and deliver a comprehensive results report.
Third-Party Validation
Upon passing this test, the product can be labelled as tested by Airmid Healthgroup to ISO 27447:2019 — supporting any claims related to the test results and data. Independent third-party validation builds consumer trust and strengthens regulatory submissions worldwide.
Ready to Validate Your Photocatalytic Product?
Our microbiology team will recommend the right protocol, manage the full test process, and deliver a GLP-compliant ISO 27447:2019 report you can take to market.
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 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 conditions.
Which bacteria are used in ISO 27447:2019 testing?
The standard uses Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as the primary test organisms — representing Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria respectively. Other bacterial strains can be requested to reflect the specific intended application of your product.
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 third-party certification applications.
Related Microbiology Test Methods
- Microbiology Laboratory Overview
- ISO 13125:2013 — Antifungal Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
- ISO 18071:2016 — Antiviral Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
- ASTM G21 — Resistance of Synthetic Polymeric Materials to Fungi
- JIS Z 2801 — Plastics Antimicrobial Testing
- AATCC 100 — Antibacterial Finishes on Textile Materials
- ASTM E2149-10 — Antimicrobial Activity Under Dynamic Contact Conditions
- Microbial Strikethrough Test
