Airmid Validates Light-Activated Antibacterial Tiles by VitrA as 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, including MRSA, E. Coli, and 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 Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) and Enterprise Ireland (EI) initiative, specializing in advanced surface technologies. CREST partnered with its spin-out company, Radical-Coatings, to develop innovative antibacterial surface coatings for industries such as healthcare and recreation.

About VitrA:
VitrA Ireland is a leading tile manufacturer collaborating with Radical-Coatings to incorporate light-activated antibacterial coatings into tiles designed for hospitals, swimming pools, and other hygiene-sensitive environments.

Context:
Traditional titanium dioxide coatings require UV light to activate their antibacterial properties. For indoor applications like hospitals and pools, where UV light is impractical, the technology was adapted to work with visible light. VitrA needed independent validation of the tiles’ effectiveness under real-world conditions to support market entry.

The Challenge

To validate the antibacterial performance of the tiles, Radical-Coatings and VitrA faced several challenges:

Modified Testing Requirements: While ISO 27447 measures the antibacterial activity of UV-activated coatings, the visible-light-reactive technology required tailored testing methods.
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 data interpretation.

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 data for international market presentation and product promotion.

Solution/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.
After incubation, serial dilutions were performed to quantify bacterial reduction on the tile surfaces.

Stage 2: Trichophyton rubrum Testing

Although antifungal activity is not within 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 exposed to fungal spores under the same incubation conditions as the MRSA tests.

Key Results

Antibacterial Efficacy:
- The tiles achieved 99.9% efficiency in killing MRSA and E. Coli bacteria.
Antifungal Efficacy:
- The tiles demonstrated 99.9% effectiveness against Trichophyton rubrum, the fungus responsible for Athlete’s Foot.
Tailored Validation:
- The adapted protocols provided robust data to validate visible-light-reactive coatings, supporting international market entry.

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 utilizes Airmid’s research data in presentations, strengthening the credibility of the tiles’ health claims.

Lessons Learned

Tailored Testing Drives Innovation: Adapting industry standards ensures the validation of novel technologies.
Collaboration Is Key: Involving the client throughout the testing process aligns outcomes with market needs.
Antibacterial Efficacy Is Versatile: Visible-light-reactive coatings offer a practical solution for indoor environments, broadening application potential.

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, positioning the product for success in healthcare and recreation markets.