Bacteriostatic fibers

Table 2 Properties of PP bacteriostatic fibers modified by Ag (ISO R 846, DIN 53930, AATCC 100-1988, 90-1970)...

The xanthate method has been used in the U.S. and Europe for a number of larger scale pilot plant studies. In the case of rayon, the technique has been explored for flameproofing, high water sorbency, ion exchange characteristics and bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties. Also nonwoven grafted fibers with excellent dispersibility for wet processing and improved binder affinities have been produced. It does not appear, however, that industrial exploitation of these technical successes will take place in the near future. 

Both ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and benzalkonium chloride used as stabilizing and bacteriostatic agents, respectively, can produce bronchoconstriction. In addition to producing bron-choconstriction, EDTA potentiates the bronchial responsiveness to histamine. These effects presumably are mediated through calcium chelation by EDTA. Benzalkonium chloride is more potent than EDTA, and its mechanism appears to be a result of mast cell degranulation and stimulation of irritant C fibers in the airways. ... 

Uses Thickener, stabilizer in foods biological additive in cosmetics film-former, moisturizer for hair and skin styling preps. capsule used as colon specific drug delivery system absorbs heavy metals from water and industrial waste streams coagulant, filter aid for potable water as dyeing assistant in photographic emulsions plant protectant dietary fiber biomedical applies. bacteriostat preservative stabilizer binder for fats, protein, metals medical aids (artificial skin, plasters, bandages) odor absorbent for cat litter Features Natural lipophilic may absorb fat-sol. vitamins... 

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. 

PLA fibers are not only biodegradable but also highly functional due to their intrinsic properties such as bacteriostatic, flame-retardant, and weathering resistance [3, 4], when compared with conventional poly(ethylene terephthal-ate) (PET) fibers. In this chapter, biodegradation mechanism, the key performance features, and potential applications of PLA fiber/nonwoven products are discussed [5, 6]. 

The bacteriostatic properties of PLA fibers tested with the standard method using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P as the inoculum are shown in Table 29.2. 

The bacteria cell density after incubation for 18 h at 37°C decreased dramatically from 2.5 x 10" to 2.0 X 10 cells/mL for PLA, while for nylon fibers, the cell density increased rapidly to 1.7 x 10 cells/mL. Similar results were obtained, even when the test was conducted after washing the PLA fibers 10 times with nonionic detergent. Furthermore, blending polyester or cotton fibers with PLA fibers did not strongly reduce the bacteriostatic property [3]. 

Cationic Surfactants Cationic surfactants possess a positive cation and are usually quaternary amine salts. Owing to their high cost, they are less important than anionic and nonionic surfactants in detergent formulations. They are mainly used as fiber wetting agents and as bacteriostats and fabric softeners in selected applications. 

Amphoteric Surfactants Surfactants that have both positively and negatively charged hydrophilic groups within the molecule are referred to as amphoteric surfactants. The detergency of these surfactants varies with pH, and they show bacteriostatic activity at appropriate pH Amphoteric surfactants are effective leveling agents and aid in controlled diffusion of dyes and finishes onto the fiber. 

VIKOL AF-25 is a proven textile broad spectrum bacteriostatic and mildew resistant agent based on bis(tri-n-butyltin) oxide. It is a unique formulation which is designed especially for use on thermoplastic fibers. 

VIKOL AF-25 is an effective bacteriostatic and mildew resistant agent on nylon, wool and cotton and is especially effective on acrylic and polyester fibers, it has shown significant bacteriostatic activity after as many as 20 washings in an automatic washer tested against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). VIKOL AF-25 has been used to produce wash resistant bacteriostatic treatments on bath carpet, socks, shirtings, dress goods and many others for years. 

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