Category Archives: Algae

On a snowy winter day there is nothing better than sitting next to a warm fire with a hot beverage dreaming of Cayo de Aqua beaches in Venezuela; however, in reality over 80% of the Earth never reaches above 5°C (3). Even more distant from our thoughts is that many microorganisms inhabit these inhabitable landscapes […]

Loving the Cold: Microbes from the Archeozoic Eon

Electronic Equipment – From individual components to entire assemblies, electronic equipment can present a favorable environment for microbial growth Fuels and Lubricant – Storage, use, and disposal of fuels and lubricants can be impacted by microbes, whether the need is to prevent microbial growth or to encourage microbial consumption Textiles – Used in harsh conditions […]

Antimicrobial Testing – Exceeding the Standards

Commonly requested test methods for personal are and cosmetic products include: Preservation ASTM E640 – Preservatives in Water-Containing Cosmetics ASTM E645 – Evaluation of Preservatives in Cooling Water (Industrial Water Testing) Shelf Life Accelerated Aging – Heat Accelerated Aging – Spray/Wipe Accelerated Aging – UV Exposure Accelerated Aging – Water Mist Biodegradation OECD 301B for […]

Personal Care Test Methods

Bacterial contamination has once again resulted in a large scale product recall, this time with baby wipe; and this is an entirely avoidable problem.   Apparently, after opening a package of baby wipes, customers discovered the wipes were discolored and had an unpleasant order.  Further microbial testing indicated that the contaminant was (in part) Burkholderia cepacia.  A […]

Personal Care Quality Control Testing

Formaldehyde is the most basic form of aldehyde representing the class of reactive antimicrobials. Situ Biosciences – Microbial Test Experts Did you know? Formaldehyde and aldehydes can be volatile at room temperature leading to the odor commonly associated with preservation of tissue or tissue samples such as in laboratories, hospitals, and mortuaries. 

Antimicrobial Preservatives and Additives – Aldehydes

A Guide to Microbial Testing:  Microbial Control vs Microbial Elimination For Additional Guidance: First Steps to Microbial Product Testing In antimicrobial systems or microbiology testing, confusion arises when a particular system is being evaluated since the acceptable concentration of microorganisms for any particular process can differ. 

Assessment & Control of Microbial Contamination