Science of Ultra-Fresh – Antifungal Test

Antifungal Test AATCC Method 30

A standard antifungal test procedure is used here, AATCC Method 30. The material being tested is 100% cotton, treated with Ultra-Fresh. The fungus used to test it is Aspergillus niger, commonly found in the environment.

The test for antifungal properties starts out with a Petri plate carrying a layer of agar, containing nutrients that will support fungal growth. The microbiologist places a small piece of the sample on its surface. (Image 1)

A solution containing spores of Aspergillus niger is dropped onto the Petri plate and sample. (Image 2)


Fungus test step 1
Image 1 - click to enlarge		 Fungus test step 2
Image 2 - click to enlarge

The plate is placed in an incubator, set at 28ºC, for 7 days. Fungi grow more slowly than bacteria; these conditions encourage optimal growth.

The following week, the microbiologist removes the plate from the incubator and assesses the situation.

In the right picture is an Ultra-Fresh treated sample (Image 4), the other, shown for the sake of comparison, is untreated (Image 3). This particular fungus causes mildew, which shows on the plates as a brown fuzz.

The sample treated with Ultra-Fresh (Image 4) has no fungus growing on it, or even close to it. The untreated sample, however, has done nothing to slow down the growth of the fungus.

Untreated
Fungus test step 3
Image 3 - click to enlarge		 Treated
Fungus test step 4
Image 4 - click to enlarge
Ultra-Fresh products are sold globally, but not all the information on this web site may apply in all countries. Local legal requirements may limit which Ultra-Fresh products are available, how they may be used and what claims may be made for our products and for treated articles. If you have questions about requirements in your country or in the countries where your treated articles may be sold please contact Thomson Research Associates for assistance. Ultra-Fresh products should be distributed, sold and used only in accordance with government regulations and the specifications on their labels.