On March 22, 2022, the “Test Method for Evaluation of Contact-Mediated Microbial Transference” led by Sharklet Technologies was officially approved. A new ASTM standard (E3285-22) has been born!

 

This standard is used to evaluate the performance of reducing microbial adhesion, contamination, and contact transmission on material surfaces and is widely applicable to various types of material surfaces and their respective processes. Led by Dr. Christopher Jones, Chief Scientist for Microbial Research at Sharklet at the time. With over 20 years of experience in the fields of infectious diseases and molecular biology, he was responsible for forward-looking and applied research in technology at Sharklet, as well as research on microbial and bacterial biofilms, development of detection methods, and product efficacy assessment.

 

Currently, many testing methods involve prolonged exposure to high concentrations of bacteria or even direct immersion in bacterial solutions. Such tests are insufficient in reflecting real-life scenarios of surface contamination. In contrast, the E3285-22 standard closely simulates the situation where surfaces of objects in daily life are contaminated by bacteria. This new testing standard fills a gap in antimicrobial testing and provides authoritative guidance for antimicrobial product manufacturers, regulatory agencies, consumers, and researchers.

 

The ability to propose the development of international standards is based on Sharklet® technology, which has filled the gap in “purely physical” antimicrobial solutions globally. By using micrometer-scale physical surface barriers, it inhibits bacterial adhesion, reproduction, and contact transmission, revolutionizing traditional additive antimicrobial methods and greatly enhancing industry standards in terms of human and environmental safety.

 

A safer and healthier antimicrobial approach has become an international trend, which will also promote the healthy development of the antimicrobial industry. This standard is now available on the ASTM official website, where you are welcome to reference and download.