ASTM e2149 a boon for biotechnology.
In a situation where the contagious claws of a deadly virus have caged us indoors, seeking help from Science and technology is of utmost importance. The trap to capture the future in Science and the stones to walk on for a better life is technology. Life is never a bed of roses. The constant ups and downs give us the demand to stay fully updated with the changing world. Gone are the days when we used to study reactions in the laboratory. The Coronavirus (COVID-19), which is no less than a blessing in disguise, has given us practical lessons more or less about a virus, its different strains and its treatments. Since its birth, Science has always proven itself to be a blessing to us, and it has given us a tremendous method to tackle every single chaos that the situation pushes us into. Let us know about one such process named ASTM e2149.
What does ASTM stand for?
ASTM, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international organization that develops technical standards for various products and materials. The ASTM was founded in 1902, having its headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, U.S . Its work has always earned appreciation.
What exactly ASTM e2149 is?
It is a standard invented by the ASTM which determines the antibacterial property of an antibacterial agent under dynamic contact conditions. It is also referred to as the ‘Shake flask test’. It is asked to apply this process to antibacterial additives. Escherichia Coli (E.coli) and Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumonia) are the organisms against which this standard test is performed. It is often used on irregularly shaped and non-leaching substances. It also helps to compare the performance between a hydrophobic and hydrophilic substance.
How is ASTM e2149 carried out?
1. The test microorganism is cultured in a liquid medium.
2. The concentration of the cultured solution is standardized before any further steps.
3. A buffer solution makes the microbial culture diluted and suitable for the test.
4. 50 ml of the culture is kept in 3 different containers (jars or test tubes).
5. To one container, the only bacterial suspension is added, to another antibacterial test substance is added, and to the third one, an untreated object quite similar to the test object is added.
6. The microbial concentration of the first container to which bacterial suspension was added is measured at the “zero” time of the reaction.
7. All three containers are constantly shaken well in a wrist action shaker for a specific time, usually 1 hour.
8. Depending on certain circumstances, the microbial concentration of the container that contained an antibacterial substance is checked and measured and compared with the other two containers.
9. If there is a reduction in the bacterial concentration compared to the other two containers, it is said to be antimicrobial.
10. An antibacterial substance that passes the test in 1 hour is considered to be more effective than the one which passes the test at 24 hours.
11. A constant observation and a correct measurement are the basic requirements to get the optimum results out of this test.
Do this test holds any drawbacks?
Every other thing which benefits us usually has some demerits for being looked upon. Because a keen study about both the merits and demerits can give us a tremendous conclusion over the efficiency of a process, analysing the speciality ist most required. Look at the other side of the coin. ASTM e2149 has few downsides, which prevents its use on a large scale.
There are few products which despite being tested through the ASTM e2149, have proved to be ineffective or inefficient in acting as a potential antimicrobial agent. The direct effect of time on the test also hampers its quality purpose.
Can anyone do the ASTM e2149?
No, everyone can’t perform this test. Special knowledge is required for the same. An EPA FDA-GLP certified test laboratory and properly trained officials and lab members can perform this test to avoid any unnecessary circumstances that can prove to be menacing later.
Do you know what an EPA FDA-GLP is?
EPA stands for Environmental Protection Agency which is an organization that registers outcomes that kill microorganisms.
FDA stands for Food and drug administration that works on goods that humans use.
GLP stands for Good Laboratory Practice which trains test laboratories and certifies them.
The coordinated efforts of all three organizations make a laboratory eligible to perform tests like ASTM e2149.
Even after having a few demerits, the ASTM e2149 has been highly relied upon to check the potential of an antimicrobial agent in numerous fields. It has proved to be one of the only methods for the companies producing antimicrobial products before marketing their products. In a world where medicines dominate over food, a proper diagnosis is surely required for an optimal solution to be taken and the proper treatment to be provided to a patient. Thanks to Science for helping us match our footsteps with the changing world and rescue ourselves from a disease that was incurable a decade ago and now isn’t fatal.
Also read — Tests & Procedures to combat the growing concerns of hygiene & viruses.
