Reasons for choosing our testing services
ZHONGXI Testing has obtained inspection qualification certifications from multiple countries and regions worldwide. We possess a senior testing team and advanced testing methods, providing independent, impartial, and professional third-party verification services for global carbon projects.
Internationally recognized authority
Certified by multiple international standards such as CNAS, VCS, and GS, with reports universally applicable worldwide.
Global service capability
Covering 140+ countries and regions, it supports on-site detection and remote verification in multiple languages.
Professional experimental methods
Adopt standard experimental methods to ensure accurate and reliable data.
Antimicrobial & Antifungal (Preservation) Testing Services: Protecting Materials from Microbial Degradation
As an independent third-party testing service provider, we offer comprehensive antimicrobial, antifungal, and biodeterioration testing for materials and products that are susceptible to microbial attack – including wood, textiles, paints, plastics, sealants, leather, paper, and composite materials. Microbial degradation (often called “preservation” or “biocidal efficacy” testing) is critical for products used in humid, tropical, or outdoor environments where mould, bacteria, and fungi can cause staining, odour, material weakening, and health hazards. Our accredited laboratory follows international standards (ISO, ASTM, EN, JIS, AATCC, AWPA) to evaluate resistance to mould growth, bacterial colonisation, decay, and termite/insect attack. This article outlines our antimicrobial and antifungal testing capabilities – including scope, key test items, and standard test methods – to help manufacturers, preservative suppliers, and regulatory bodies ensure long‑term material integrity and safety.
1. Our Testing Scope for Antimicrobial & Antifungal (Preservation) Performance
We cover a wide range of materials, test organisms, and degradation mechanisms:
By material type: Wood and wood‑based products (lumber, plywood, engineered wood); textiles (cotton, polyester, blends, non‑wovens); Paints, coatings, and varnishes; Plastics and polymers; Sealants and adhesives; Leather and synthetic leather; Paper and cardboard; Composites (WPC – wood‑plastic composites); Rubber and elastomers; Building materials (gypsum board, insulation).
By target microorganism: Filamentous fungi (moulds – Aspergillus niger, Penicillium funiculosum, Chaetomium globosum, Aureobasidium pullulans, Trichoderma viride, etc.); Bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, etc.); Decay fungi (brown rot – Coniophora puteana, Gloeophyllum trabeum; white rot – Trametes versicolor, Coriolus versicolor); Soft rot fungi; Yeasts; Algae.
By degradation type: Surface mould growth (aesthetic spoilage); Deep decay (loss of mechanical strength); Bacterial slime and odour; Wood destroying insects (termites, powder post beetles – optional).
By test objective: Efficacy of preservative treatments (biocides); Intrinsic resistance of untreated materials; Accelerated laboratory decay tests; Field tests (ground contact, tropical exposure – by arrangement).
2. Key Test Items We Perform
Our antimicrobial and antifungal (preservation) testing services are grouped by material and test type.
2.1 Wood Preservative Efficacy (Fungal Decay Resistance)
Soil‑block test (laboratory decay) – wood blocks exposed to pure cultures of brown rot or white rot fungi for 12‑16 weeks. Evaluation by mass loss (%) and visual rating (ASTM D2017, EN 113, ISO 17554).
Stake test (field ground contact) – outdoor burial of treated wood stakes, periodic inspection for decay (AWPA E7, EN 252).
Soft rot test – for wood preservatives used in wet environments (EN 807, ASTM D1413).
Basidiomycete cellar test (agar block) – EN 113‑1 (updated version).
Leaching resistance of preservatives – before fungal exposure (EN 84, AWPA E11).
Evaluation of natural durability of wood species – classification per EN 350 (durability class 1‑5).
2.2 Surface Mould & Mildew Resistance (Paints, textiles, Plastics)
Mould growth test (mixed spore suspension) – inoculated onto test surface, incubated at high humidity (28‑30°C, 85‑95% RH) for 28 days. Rating: 0 (no growth) to 4 (heavy growth) – ASTM D3273, ASTM G21, ISO 846 (Method A), ISO 16869.
Fungal resistance of coatings (accelerated) – ASTM D5590, ASTM D4610.
Resistance of textiles to mildew – AATCC 30 (Test III – agar plate method).
Mildew resistance of paper and paperboard – ISO 517 (fungistatic effect).
Algae resistance of exterior coatings – ASTM D5589 (mixed algae culture).
2.3 Antibacterial (Bacterial Resistance) Testing
Zone of inhibition (agar diffusion) – for treated materials that release biocides (ISO 20645, AATCC 147).
Absorption (shake flask) method – quantitative reduction of bacteria (ISO 20743, ASTM E2149, JIS L 1902).
Film contact method (parallel streak) – for non‑release surfaces (ISO 22196, JIS Z 2801).
Bacterial biofilm resistance – ASTM E2647 (CDC biofilm reactor).
2.4 Plastics & Polymers – Fungal & Bacterial Resistance
Fungal resistance of plastics (ISO 846) – Methods A (surface growth), B (effect on mechanical properties), C (effect on optical properties).
Determination of fungistatic effect – ISO 16869 (plastics exposed to mixed fungi).
Bacterial resistance of polymer composites – ASTM G22 (no longer maintained, replaced by ISO 846 adaptation).
2.5 Wood Termite & Insect Resistance
Laboratory termite test (choice or no‑choice) – using Eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) – ASTM D3345, EN 117, AWPA E1.
Soil block termite test – AWPA E1 (exposure to termites in soil).
Resistance to powder post beetles (Lyctus) – ASTM D3346, EN 46.
Marine borer resistance – ASTM D2481, EN 275 (for wood in salt water).
2.6 Leather, textiles, and Non‑wovens
Mildew resistance of leather (tropical test) – ISO 5402‑2 (wet blue and finished leather).
Fungal growth on leather (visual rating) – ASTM D4576.
textile mildew resistance (humidity chamber) – AATCC 30 (Test I – mould resistance).
Anti‑mildew for shoe materials – SATRA TM 144.
3. Standard Test Methods We Apply
All tests are performed according to internationally recognised standards. Our laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and equipped with fungal incubators, sterile clean benches, decay chambers, and termite rearing facilities.
3.1 Wood Decay (Fungal) Standards
Soil‑block decay test (laboratory): ASTM D2017, EN 113‑1, ISO 17554 (basidiomycetes).
Soft rot test: EN 807, ASTM D1413 (modified).
Natural durability classification (wood species): EN 350 (fungal & termite).
Leaching of preservatives (pre‑decay): EN 84, AWPA E11.
3.2 Surface Mould & Mildew Standards
Mixed fungi growth (paint/coating): ASTM D3273 (chamber test), ASTM D5590 (agar plate), ISO 846 (Method A).
Fungal resistance of plastics: ISO 846, ASTM G21.
Mildew on textiles (humidity chamber): AATCC 30 (Test I – 14‑28 days).
Algae resistance: ASTM D5589, EN 15457 (coatings).
3.3 Antibacterial (Bacterial) Standards
Quantitative contact method (non‑release surfaces): ISO 22196, JIS Z 2801.
Absorption (shake flask): ISO 20743 (textiles), ASTM E2149, JIS L 1902.
Agar diffusion (zone of inhibition): ISO 20645, AATCC 147.
Biofilm resistance: ASTM E2647.
3.4 Plastics & Polymer Standards
Fungal resistance of plastics (three methods): ISO 846 (Methods A, B, C).
Fungistatic effect on plastics: ISO 16869.
Bacterial growth on plastics: ASTM G22 (historical, replaced by ISO 846 adaptation).
3.5 Termite & Insect Standards
Laboratory termite (choice/no‑choice): ASTM D3345, EN 117 (subterranean termites).
AWPA E1 (standard for termites).
Marine borer: ASTM D2481 (shipworms), EN 275 (gribble).
Powder post beetle resistance: ASTM D3346, EN 46.
Mildew resistance of leather (tropical): ISO 5402‑2, ASTM D4576.
Fungal resistance of adhesives: ASTM D4300 (optional).
4. Why Choose Our Third‑Party Antimicrobial & Antifungal (Preservation) Testing Services?
As an independent laboratory with microbiology and materials expertise, we provide accurate, reproducible, and regulation‑ready data. Our advantages include:
ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation – CNAS/CMA certified, with a full suite of fungal and bacterial cultures (ATCC, DSMZ, CBS).
Dedicated microbiology facility – Biosafety Level 1 & 2 labs, incubators (20‑35°C, 95% RH), and sterile handling areas.
Long‑term test capability – 12‑16 week decay tests, 28‑day mould growth, 6‑12 month termite/field tests.
Comprehensive reporting – includes visual ratings (0‑4 scale), mass loss percentage (wood decay), bacterial log reduction values, and photographic evidence.
Fast turnaround for screening – mould growth (4 weeks), antibacterial (5‑7 business days).
Confidentiality – full protection of your product formulations and material specifications.
Expert consultation – our microbiologists help select the most relevant test organisms (based on end‑use environment) and interpret failure mechanisms.
Whether you need to qualify a wood preservative against brown rot, certify a paint for mould resistance, test a textile antibacterial finish, or evaluate a plastic for marine or tropical use, our preservation testing team is ready to deliver reliable, objective data.
Get Started with Your Antimicrobial & Antifungal Testing Project
Contact our team with your material type, target microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, termites), required standard, and test duration (e.g., 28‑day mould, 12‑week decay). We will provide a detailed quotation, sample submission guidelines (including sterile packaging), and a testing schedule. Let us help you protect your products from biodeterioration and extend their service life in challenging environments.
This article provides an overview of our antimicrobial and antifungal (preservation) testing capabilities. For specific test methods, sample quantity, and pricing, please request a tailored service proposal.