Case Study: VitrA Light-Activated Antibacterial Tiles Validated 99.9% Effective Against MRSA, E. Coli, and Athlete’s Foot Fungus
Overview
Airmid Healthgroup conducted rigorous testing to validate the effectiveness of VitrA’s light-activated antibacterial tiles, developed in partnership with Radical-Coatings and CREST. The research demonstrated that the tiles — coated with visible-light-reactive titanium dioxide — achieve 99.9% efficacy in eliminating harmful bacteria and fungi, including MRSA, E. coli, and Trichophyton rubrum (Athlete’s Foot fungus). These findings support the product’s application in healthcare and swimming pool markets.
Background
About CREST and Radical-Coatings
The Centre for Research in Engineering Surface Technology (CREST) is a DIT and Enterprise Ireland initiative specialising in advanced surface technologies. CREST partnered with its spin-out company, Radical-Coatings, to develop innovative antibacterial surface coatings for healthcare and recreation industries.
About VitrA
VitrA Ireland is a leading tile manufacturer that collaborated with Radical-Coatings to incorporate light-activated antibacterial coatings into tiles designed for hospitals, swimming pools, and other hygiene-sensitive environments.
The Challenge
Traditional titanium dioxide coatings require UV light to activate antibacterial properties. For indoor environments like hospitals and swimming pools, where UV light is impractical, the technology was adapted to work with visible light — requiring tailored validation methods.
Testing Challenges
Validating the antibacterial performance of VitrA’s tiles presented several specific challenges:
- Modified Testing Requirements: While ISO 27447 measures the antibacterial activity of UV-activated coatings, the visible-light-reactive technology required tailored testing methods adapted to reflect real-world indoor conditions.
- Target Pathogens: Validation needed to include MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), E. coli, and Trichophyton rubrum (Athlete’s Foot fungus). Selecting the correct fungal strain was critical to the project’s goals.
- Large Sample Volumes: Testing generated hundreds of plates, requiring precise sample tracking, time management, and expert data interpretation throughout the study.
Project Goals
- Primary Goal: Validate the antibacterial and antifungal efficacy of VitrA’s light-activated tile coatings under visible light conditions.
- Secondary Goal: Provide CREST and Radical-Coatings with world-class independent data for international market presentation and product promotion.
Testing Approach
Airmid Healthgroup employed a collaborative approach to ensure the testing aligned with client objectives and industry standards. The study was conducted in two stages:
Stage 1 — MRSA Testing
Testing was guided by ISO 27447:2009, adapted to accommodate visible-light-reactive technology. Tile samples were exposed to MRSA under two different light conditions and incubated aerobically for 24 hours. Serial dilutions were then performed to quantify bacterial reduction on the tile surfaces.
Stage 2 — Trichophyton rubrum Testing
Although antifungal activity is outside ISO 27447’s scope, Airmid adapted the protocol to evaluate fungal reduction. Pure cultures of Trichophyton rubrum were grown and sporulated over five weeks. Tile samples were then exposed to fungal spores under the same incubation conditions as the MRSA tests.
Key Results
99.9%
Antibacterial Efficacy
Against MRSA and E. coli under visible light conditions
99.9%
Antifungal Efficacy
Against Trichophyton rubrum (Athlete’s Foot fungus)
50/450
European Recognition
Selected as one of 50 projects at the European Innovation Convention
Impact
- Global Recognition: VitrA’s tiles, backed by Airmid’s independent validation, were showcased at the European Innovation Convention — earning distinction as one of 50 selected projects out of 450 entries.
- Market Differentiation: The findings position VitrA and Radical-Coatings as leaders in innovative antibacterial technology for hygiene-critical environments.
- Trusted Validation: CREST utilises Airmid’s research data in presentations, strengthening the credibility of the tiles’ health claims globally.
Lessons Learned
- Tailored Testing Drives Innovation: Adapting industry standards ensures the validation of novel technologies that fall outside existing test scopes.
- Collaboration Is Key: Involving the client throughout the testing process aligns outcomes with market needs and commercial objectives.
- Broad Application Potential: Visible-light-reactive coatings offer a practical solution for indoor environments — broadening application potential beyond traditional UV-dependent technologies.
Conclusion
Airmid Healthgroup’s testing validated the groundbreaking efficacy of VitrA’s light-activated antibacterial tiles — demonstrating 99.9% effectiveness against MRSA, E. coli, and Athlete’s Foot fungus. This innovation, developed by CREST and Radical-Coatings, sets a new standard for hygiene-focused tile applications and positions the product for success in healthcare and recreation markets worldwide.
Validate Your Innovative Product
Looking to validate your product with independently certified testing? Contact Airmid Healthgroup today to learn how our tailored testing solutions can support your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does visible-light-reactive titanium dioxide differ from standard UV-activated coatings?
Standard titanium dioxide coatings require UV light to generate the reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria and fungi. In most indoor environments, UV light is absent or insufficient. Radical-Coatings developed a modified titanium dioxide formulation that is activated by visible light — making it effective in standard indoor lighting conditions such as those found in hospitals and swimming pools.
Why was ISO 27447 adapted rather than used as standard?
ISO 27447 is the standard test method for antibacterial activity of photocatalytic materials under UV light. Since VitrA’s tiles use visible-light activation rather than UV, Airmid adapted the protocol to reflect the actual activation conditions — ensuring the test results accurately represented real-world performance rather than a scenario the product would never encounter in use.
Why was Trichophyton rubrum specifically chosen for antifungal testing?
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common cause of Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis) — a significant concern in swimming pool environments where tiles are regularly in contact with bare feet. Demonstrating efficacy against this specific organism was commercially important for VitrA’s target markets and required a five-week culture and sporulation process to generate a suitable test inoculum.
Can Airmid develop custom testing protocols for novel technologies?
Yes. The VitrA case study is a strong example of Airmid’s ability to adapt and develop bespoke testing protocols for innovative products that fall outside the scope of existing standards. If your product uses a novel mechanism or makes claims not covered by current test methods, our team can design a study that generates credible, defensible validation data.
What markets did this validation support?
The validated efficacy data supported VitrA’s market entry into healthcare (hospitals and clinical facilities) and recreation (swimming pools and leisure centres) — two sectors where independently validated antimicrobial surface performance is a critical purchasing criterion for facility managers and procurement teams.
Related Links and Tests
- An Overview of Methods Used to Evaluate the Efficacy of Antibacterial Treated Surfaces and Textiles
- Microbiology Laboratory
- ISO 13125:2013 — Antifungal Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
- ISO 27447:2019 — Antibacterial Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
- Environmental Test Chambers
- Determining Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions from Materials and Products
