ISO 17094:2014

Overview

ISO 17094:2014 specifies a standardized laboratory test method to determine antibacterial activity of semiconducting, indoor-light-active photocatalytic materials (fine/advanced ceramics) when illuminated under typical indoor lighting. The standard targets flat sheet, board or plate shaped construction materials and surface films that incorporate or are coated with photocatalysts active under artificial indoor light. It measures bacterial survival after controlled illumination to quantify antibacterial performance. Powders, granular/porous materials, textiles and other non‑flat forms are excluded.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Applicable only to flat sheet/plate/board materials and films containing indoor‑light‑active photocatalysts; excludes powder, granular, porous forms and textiles.
• Test principle: Bacterial suspension is applied to the specimen, covered with an adhesive film and moisture‑preserving glass, exposed to indoor lighting, then recovered and enumerated to determine viable bacteria counts.
• Microorganisms: Representative strains specified (examples in the standard include Staphylococcus aureus - WDCM 00195 - and Escherichia coli - WDCM 00196). Use of registered culture collections is required.
• Materials and media: Specifications for culture media and washout solutions (e.g., nutrient agar, nutrient broth dilutions, SCDLP, physiological saline) and storage/sterilization practices.
• Apparatus & lighting: Requirement for controlled indoor light sources, UV sharp cut‑off filters, illuminance meters and fixtures suitable to reproduce indoor lighting conditions; test set‑up uses an adhesive film and moisture preservation glass.
• Measurement and calculation: Enumeration by viable count methods and calculation of antibacterial activity value (difference between treated and untreated specimen counts), including values with and without illumination.
• Safety and competence: Handling of microorganisms requires trained personnel and appropriate containment.

Practical applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of advanced ceramic and construction surface products that incorporate indoor‑active photocatalytic coatings - to validate antibacterial claims.
• Independent testing laboratories and quality assurance teams - for performance verification, product development and batch control.
• Researchers developing visible‑light photocatalysts and surface antimicrobial technologies - to compare materials under standardized indoor conditions.
• Specifiers, building material certifiers and procurement teams - to assess and compare antibacterial performance of candidate materials for indoor environments (e.g., healthcare, public buildings, HVAC surfaces).

Related standards

• ISO 27447 - test method for photocatalytic antibacterial activity (general method).
• ISO/DIS 14605 - visible light source specifications for testing photocatalytic materials.
• ISO 80000‑1 - quantities and units (SI).

Keywords: ISO 17094:2014, fine ceramics, antibacterial activity, semiconducting photocatalytic materials, indoor lighting, test method, indoor‑light‑active photocatalyst.