Bacterial biofilms are one of the biggest antimicrobial challenges across many healthcare sectors. If not eradicated, microbial contamination can result in the formation of biofilm. Within a biofilm, microorganisms are encased within a self-produced Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS) that decreases susceptibility to antimicrobial agents and environmental stresses. The ability of a product to remove biofilm from a surface is critical to the development of products that effectively remove contamination in the ‘real world’.
Biofilm removal claims can be achieved for products that demonstrate the ability to remove biofilms. The Single Tube Method (MB-20: Single Tube Method for Determining the Efficacy of Disinfectants against Bacterial Biofilms) is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved method used to obtain a biofilm removal label claim for biocide products.
About the Single Tube Method
The Single Tube Method evaluates the efficacy of antimicrobial pesticides against two biofilm forming genus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The method describes how to measure the efficacy of biocides against biofilm encased bacteria, using liquid or water-soluble powder formulations against bacterial biofilm.
The method involves the growth of a biofilm using a CDC reactor, using standard methods ASTM E2871-19 for quantifying Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E2562-12 to evaluate the efficacy of disinfectants against biofilm.
Please contact us to understand how to perform these methods in line with EPA requirements in order to achieve a successful biofilm label claim. To find out more about the biofilm testing services we can offer, please visit our website.