ASTM E2196-23 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Quantification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Grown with Medium Shear and Continuous Flow Using Rotating Disk Reactor — a laboratory method that defines parameters for growing, sampling, and quantifying reproducible Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms produced under medium shear in a rotating-disk/continuously stirred reactor (rotating disk reactor/CSTR).

Abstract

This test method provides a controlled protocol to grow a repeatable Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm under medium shear and continuous flow, and to recover and report viable-cell counts from coupons as logarithmic colony-forming units per unit surface area. It is intended for laboratory studies (originally developed to mimic toilet-bowl conditions) and can be adapted for other species or research needs when parameters are adjusted. Basic microbiology training and appropriate safety practices are required.

General information

• Status: Active.
• Publication date: April 1, 2023 (designation E2196-23).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 07.100.01 (Microbiology).
• Edition / version: E2196-23 (revises previous edition).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

The standard specifies operational parameters for producing a reproducible Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm in a rotating disk reactor or continuously stirred tank reactor under medium shear and continuous flow, and describes procedures for sampling and analyzing biofilm for viable cells. Results are reported as log10 colony forming units per surface area. The method is adaptable to other species but was developed to approximate toilet-bowl biofilm conditions.

Key topics and requirements

• Use of a rotating-disk reactor / continuously stirred reactor (CSTR) to generate biofilm under defined medium shear and continuous flow conditions.
• Preparation and use of coupons/specimens for biofilm growth and recovery.
• Sampling and viable-cell recovery procedures with results expressed as log10 CFU per surface area.
• Requirement for basic microbiology training and adherence to laboratory safety practices.
• Use of SI units and reproducibility controls to facilitate comparisons across laboratories.

Typical use and users

Used by microbiology and environmental research laboratories, product developers and manufacturers evaluating antimicrobial treatments and surface chemistries, public-health researchers, and quality-control labs that need a reproducible biofilm model for comparative testing or method development. The method supports research into biofilm formation, control strategies, and efficacy testing of non-chemical or chemical interventions.

Related standards

Related and referenced methods include other ASTM and AOAC antimicrobial/biofilm test methods used for comparison or complementary testing (for example, other E-series biofilm and antimicrobial test methods). The 2023 revision replaces earlier editions (E2196-22 / earlier versions) and is referenced by later documents in the E35 committee work.

Keywords

biofilm; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; rotating disk reactor; CSTR; coupon; sampling; quantification; log10 CFU; microbiology; antimicrobial testing; ICS 07.100.01.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2196-23 is a laboratory test method that specifies how to grow and quantify Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm produced under medium shear and continuous flow using a rotating-disk/continuously stirred reactor.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers reactor setup and parameters, coupon preparation, sampling and viable-cell recovery, data reporting (log10 CFU per surface area), and general requirements such as unit conventions and personnel competence. The method is adaptable to related research applications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Researchers in academic and industrial microbiology, environmental and sanitation research groups, manufacturers and testers evaluating antimicrobial products or surface treatments, and labs conducting comparative biofilm studies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The designation E2196-23 is current (published April 1, 2023) and supersedes earlier editions; it is listed as active in the ASTM catalog.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is developed by ASTM Committee E35 (subcommittee E35.15) and sits with other E-series methods addressing biofilm, antimicrobial efficacy, and related microbiological test practices; it is one of several standardized biofilm/test reactor methods.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key terms include biofilm, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, rotating disk reactor, CSTR, coupon, sampling, quantification, log10 CFU, and antimicrobial testing.