In recent years, there has been a significant amount of interest in antimicrobial finishes on textiles, particularly in the medical business as well as the textiles apparel industry. At the same time that we at Melbec have seen an expansion in the sector, we have also witnessed a surge in the need for effective micro textiles testing.
Two factors have contributed to the growing interest in antimicrobial finishes: first, in the field of healthcare, they have the capacity to lessen the spread of infections; second, in the consumer products market, they have the power to extend the lifetime of clothing and improve its performance.
In this article, we will examine antimicrobial finishes in further detail, including what they are, how they might be used, and how they are tested on textiles.
ANTIMICROBIAL FINISHES IN THE TEXTILES DEPARTMENT OF THE INDUSTRY
Finishes and treatments that inhibit the growth of microorganisms have traditionally been applied to textiles that are susceptible to rot, especially in environments that are often humid or tropical. However, in recent years, there has been a growth in the demand for clothing that has antimicrobial characteristics. This response may be attributed to the general public’s attitude toward cleanliness and physical activity. We have come a long way from the days when even taking a bath was seen as unhealthful and unneeded in our culture.
Because of this, antimicrobial treatments have been applied to clothing that is used for activities such as sports and leisure activities. There are an infinite number of uses for textiles; nevertheless, some examples that are often used include athletic apparel, footwear, undergarments, and socks. Consumers also have access to further applications in the form of treatments that may be applied to bedding, which includes pet bedding, soft furnishings such as pillows, and towels.
IN THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY, ANTIMICROBIAL FINISHES
Antimicrobial finishes may be applied to clothes for the purpose of treating consumer items, as was indicated before; however, these finishes also have the potential to serve a more significant role in the healthcare industry.
MRSA, which stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is one example of a hospital-acquired infection (HAI), which presents a significant obstacle in the field of healthcare. These kinds of infections not only have an impact on the health of patients, as stated by the Nursing Times, but they also foster a sense of mistrust in the medical profession as a whole. And despite the fact that the number of instances of MRSA has decreased in the United Kingdom, the number of other forms of infections has increased, and there is still a need to be attentive when it comes to the control of infections.
Taking steps to limit the amount of contact surfaces that potentially harbor germs that can be transmitted from one surface to another and, ultimately, to patients is one strategy that can be used to assist prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). One such surface that may be a component of the touch-transfer process that transmits illness is patient gowns, bed linens, and other textiles; here is where antimicrobial finishes come into play when it comes to the transmission of infection. The touch-transfer process may be considerably reduced by treating hospital textiles to have a biocidal surface. This surface can kill or inactivate organisms, hence minimizing the risk of transmission.
The use of treated textiles in healthcare would be beneficial as an extra measure of cleanliness, according to the findings of a research that was carried out in 2016. The study found that the use of treated textiles did not entirely minimize the risk of bacteria transmission.
Atopic dermatitis is one of the skin disorders that has been treated using antimicrobial dressings and garments. These dressings and garments have also been utilized in the medical field, specifically in the field of dermatology. The use of antimicrobial fabrics that are form-fitting has the potential to diminish the colonization of Staphylococcus aureus on the skin of patients, hence relieving the symptoms of the skin disease.
Consumers now have the opportunity to test such garments, which are generally made from silk, as a therapy for a variety of skin diseases. The use of so-called “therapy clothing” may be a more comfortable choice for certain patients, despite the fact that some studies show that the effects may not be any different from those typically associated with the use of topical therapies.
THE APPLICATION OF THESE FINISHES TO TEXTILES IS DISCUSSED.
The application of antimicrobial treatments to textiles may be done in a number of different methods. It is possible to include additives into textiles via the process of fiber spinning, in conjunction with dyes, or by applying them as a coating to final items. Depending on the product’s intended use, the procedure may be applied to either natural or man-made fibers, and it can be used on any kind of fiber.
Within the realm of antimicrobial coatings, there exists a wide range of additives that might be used. A particular antimicrobial active, such as silver, will be included inside the additives that are used; nevertheless, a wide variety of chemicals, including triclosan, metal salts, and polybiguanides, have also been utilized before. Antimicrobial substances that are naturally derived from plants have also been the subject of research findings.
For what purposes may the effectiveness of antimicrobial textiles be evaluated?
Laboratory testing may be used to determine whether or not antimicrobial fabrics are effective. In addition to client-run trials and research, labs can also undertake particular testing procedures.
It is necessary to conduct testing in order to provide evidence that a final product textile has antimicrobial qualities and to support marketing claims or research statements. It goes without saying that laboratory testing is not the same thing as testing in the real world, and the findings should be evaluated in combination with the outcomes of real-world applications.
Testing of textiles is performed using a variety of conventional procedures, which may include, but are not limited to the following:
- Antibacterial treatments in accordance with AATCC 100 on textile materials
- Examination of the antibacterial activity of textile materials using the parallel streak technique, according to AATCC 147
- Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of new carpets, according to AATCC 174
- Under dynamic contact circumstances, the antibacterial activity of immobilized antimicrobial compounds is evaluated according to ASTM E2149.
- The determination of the antibacterial activity of textile goods according to ISO 20743
For the purpose of testing, conventional strains may be used, or alternatively, organisms that are relevant to the product claims may be placed in their place. Among them are strains of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, such as MRSA and VRE, as well as fungal spores and Clostridium difficile.
THE TESTING OF TEXTILES
The scientific staff at Melbec Microbiology have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the areas of claim support and textile testing procedures. We have the ability to carry out and provide comments on all of the conventional testing techniques that were described before.
