Antimicrobials for synthetic fibers

Typical methods for applying and incorporating an antimicrobial in synthetic fibers and textiles... 

Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene and polyester are commonly used in the construction of surgical drapes and gowns as well as viscose. Antimicrobial nonwoven fabrics were prepared by directly incorporation of a qurteroary ammonim salt namely, cethyl trime yl ammonium bromide, on polyester and polypropylene and viscose nonwoven fabrics. An interesting observation is the clear zone of inhibition and excellent reduction of bacteria growth on polyester and polypropylene fabrics. It is apparent that the antimicrobial activity of CTAB is bactericidal in nature and not bacteriostatic. CTAB was effective as antibacterial agent on E.coli for three different fabrics. However CTAB was not effective on S. aureus and P. seudomonas when applied to viscose fabrics which may suggest that nature of substrate influence on the antibacterial activity of CTAB. 

With few exceptions, all substances with an antimicrobial effect as well as those which are used for textile finishing are non-water-soluble. One exception is the cation-active and very thermostable poly-(hexamethylene biguanide) hydrochloride (PHMB), which is available in the form of an aqueous solution, e.g. Sanitized T 96-04. Unfortunately however, PHMB is unsuitable for finishing most synthetic fibers, for the reason that it exhibits practically no adhesive power with polyamide or polyester fibers. 

Antimicrobial Edible films were prepared from natural fiber of pectin and other food hydrocolloids for food packaging or wrapping by extrusion followed by compression or blown film method. Microscopic analysis revealed a well mixed integrated structure of extruded pellets and an even distribution of the synthetic hydrocolloid in the biopolymers. The resultant composite films possess the mechanical properties that are comparable to films cast from most natural hydrocolloids that consumed as foods or components in processed foods. The inclusion of polyethylene oxide) alters the textures of the resultant composite films and therefore, demonstrating a new technique for the modification of film properties. The composite films were produced in mild processing conditions, thus, the films are able to protect the bioactivity of the incorporated nisin, as shown by the inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes bacterial growth by a liquid incubation method. 

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