Studies with ISKU+ furniture and materials

ISKU has focused on antimicrobial technologies in its products starting from 2013. There are numerous research projects where the efficacy and other properties of ISKU+ antimicrobial solutions have been tested and analyzed. This has helped to develop a holistic antimicrobial furniture concept with a positive impact on well-being via reduced infections.

Tests conducted in accordance with ISO 22196:2011

The materials in ISKU+ are tested regularly in accordance with ISO 22196:2011 as a part of ISKU’s quality control. This ensures that the efficacy of the antimicrobial surfaces remain optimal throughout the years. The tests are conducted in a non-affiliated third-party laboratory. In addition to ISO 22196:2011 tests, various other microbes has been tested with different incubation times to explore the results.

Living Lab – Case Study in a school setup, Anni Hyvönen, 2018

ISKU+ antimicrobial furniture was studied in cooperation with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences in a school environment. The study was setup in a primary school in Finland where two class rooms where furnished, one with conventional versions and other with antimicrobial versions. The results pointed out two findings: The class room with antimicrobial versions had less microbes on the surfaces and there were 52% less absenteeism compared to the conventional version. Read more.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Silver Containing Surfaces, Henri Holmberg, 2021

The lacquers applied in ISKU+ antimicrobial concept were studied together with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences by utilizing fluorescence microscopy. The study compared the lacquers and a reference surface with Staphylococcus Aureus -bacteria using LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacteria Viability color kit. The key results showed that the bacteria population was reduced by 80% in just 15 minutes. In addition, the study examined the silver migration from the surfaces using artificial sweat. The results showed that the migrated silver amount remained clearly under the safety limits defined in the EU directive for food packaging.

Biocote® Office Case Study, 2018

ISKU+ furniture was invited to be used in a research conducted by Biocote Ltd. in an open-concept office setup. The office space used by fifteen people was equipped first with conventional objects and then antimicrobial equivalents. All utilized equipment was measured with swab samples to see the amount of colony forming units. On average the antimicrobial versions harbored 92,7 % less microbes. ISKU+ office desk reached to the reduction of 95% and the office chair to 80% reduction.

Apila Occupational Healthcare Center Study, 2017

ISKU together with the companies represented in the HygTech Alliance and Metropolia University of Applied Sciences studied antimicrobial surfaces in the context of occupational healthcare center, Apila. The interior was equipped and furnished broadly with antimicrobial products from the companies. The antimicrobial surfaces were compared against conventional reference surfaces. The sample surfaces included doctors desk, staff breakout room table, door handles, arm rests of the lobby seating, structures of a plinth for instance. The results showed the efficacy of the antimicrobial surfaces as expected, reducing the amount of microbes, reducing the risk of infection.