Developments and research in the present decade on the antibacterial finishing and disinfection of textiles are reviewed. Definitions and concepts of terms such as antimicrobial agent, antibacterial agent, disinfectant, and sanitizers are discussed from both a regulatory and scientific perspective. Quantitative tests for determining antibacterial activity of textiles usually involve sterilization of fabric, inoculation with a microorganism, and determination of bacteria remaining by wash-recovery or colony-count under a low-power microscope. Most qualitative tests for antibacterial activity are based on the ability of the agent to diffuse off the fiber into an agar medium. Most antifungal tests consist of inoculation of fabric, then inspection for visual growth of fungi after varying periods of time.
Microbial ecology of the skin-clothing interface differs in everyday environments and situations from environments conducive to growth of microorganisms and cross- infection ; predominant bacteria and fungi and microbial population on different parts of the body are discussed in this context. Microorganism persistence on textiles is influenced to some extent by fiber type. Recent studies show that synthetics retain more odor-causing bacteria, and that dermatophytic fungi are more persistent on synthetics than on natural fibers; persistence time of pathogenic bacteria,on natural and synthetic fibers is dependent on relative humidity and method of fabric contami nation.
Newer and commercialized processes for producing antibacterial fabrics durable to laundering are evaluated, and frequently-used disinfectants and sanitizers for textiles are stressed. Various techniques for affixing such agents to fibers are listed, and requirements for producing effective antibacterial and antifungal fibers for particular end-uses are enumerated. Some novel and recent uses for antibacterial fibers, such as water disinfection and air purification, are also mentioned.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Akzo, N.V., Toilet Paper Containing a Disinfectant, Neth. Appl.71, 02, 420 (Aug. 25, 1972).
2.
Alen'kin, B.F. , Arenskii, V.A., and Mordovskoi , G.G., Decontamination of Products Made of Synthetic Fibers, Probl. Tuberk. (9), 73-78 (1977).
3.
Allsopp, D., Eggins, H.O.W., and David, J., A New Perfusion Technique for Rapid Initial Screening of Biocidally Protected Materials, Int. Biodeterior. Bull.6(3),115-117 (1970).
4.
"Amer. Assoc. Textile Chem. Color. Technical Manual," Vol. 55., Test Method 100-1977, AATCC, Research Triangle Park, N.C., 1979, pp.298-299.
5.
Anon., What About Bacteria in Cold-Water Laundering, Agric. Res.14(7), 12-13 (1966).
6.
Anon., Getting Ready to Tape the Bugs, Chem. Week, 43-44 (Aug. 21, 1974).
7.
Bakker, P.G.H. , "The Influence of Carpets on Hospital Hygiene ," Wool Research Organization of New Zealand Report No. 29, Christ-church, N.Z., June 1975.
8.
Banville, R.R. and McNeil, E., Microbiology of Drycleaning, Appl. Microbiol.14(1), 1-7 ( 1966).
9.
Barnes, C. and Warden, J., Microbial Degradation. Fiber Damage from Staphylococcus aureus, Textile Chem. Color.3(3), 52-56 (1971).
10.
Blaney, T.L. , "Bacteriostatic Diapers," German Pat. 2,408,296, Aug. 29, 1974.
11.
Block, S. S., Ed., "Disinfection, Sterilization and Preservation" 2nd Ed., Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, 1977 .
12.
Bondarenko, N.Y. , "Paper Pulp Used in Toilet Paper Production ," U.S.S.R. Pat. 338,581, May 15, 1972.
13.
Buchanan, R. E. and Gibbons, N. E., Eds., "Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology ," 8th Ed., William & Wilkins , Baltimore, 1974.
14.
Chalmers, L. , Aspects of Foot Care and Hygiene (Part I) , Dragoco Rep.11, 215-222 (1972).
15.
Charit', Y. and Barboy, R., Bioactive Nylon Fibers, Appl. Polym. Symp.31, 351-360 ( 1977).
16.
Curry, J.D., "Phenylantimony bis (2-pyridine-thiol-1-oxide)," U.S. Pat. 3,833,565, Sept. 3, 1974.
17.
Dadd, A.H. et al., TheSurvival of Streptococcus pyogenes on Bacteriological Swabs Made from Various Fibres, J. Med. Microbiol.3(4), 561-572(1970).
Dixon, G.J. , Sidwell, R.W., and McNeil, E., Quantitative Studies on Fabrics as Disseminators of Viruses. II. Persistence of Poliomyelitis Virus on Cotton and Wool Fabrics, Appl. Microbiol.14(2), 183-188 (1966).
Gip, L. and Magnusson, B., Impregnation of Hose Material With an Antimycotic Agent; Method to Counteract Reinfection with Foot Mycosis, Nord. Med.82(44), 1375-1378 (1969).
25.
Gutfrend, K. and Dravnicks, A., "Odor Retention in Cotton and Synthetic Fabrics ," Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute Report No. C 8224-6, Chicago, Ill., Jan. 1973.
26.
Hambraeus, A., Dispersal and Transfer of Staphylococcus aureus in An Isolation Ward for Burned Patients, J. Hyg, 71, 787-797 (1973).
27.
Horowitz, W., Ed., "Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists" 11th Ed., Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, D.C., 1970 , pp. 61-71.
28.
Horowitz, W., Ed., "Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists," 11th Ed., 2nd Supplement, Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Washington, D.C., 1972, pp. 400-403.
29.
Isoard, P. and Crance, J.M., "Study of Particle and Microorganism Retention In Textiles," Proc.-Int. Symp. Contam. Control, 4th, 98-103 (1978).
30.
Isquith, A.J. , Abbott, E.A., and Walters, P.A., Surface-Bonded Antimicrobial Activity of an Organosilicon Quaternary Ammonium Chloride, Appl. Microbiol.24(6), 859-863 (1972).
31.
Kalontarov, I.Y. et al., Bactericidal Films and Fibers Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol), Izv. Akad. Nauk Tadzh. SSR, Otd. Fiz.-Mat. Geol.-Khim. Nauk (4), 73-76 (1974).
32.
Kennedy, J.F. , Barker, S.A., and Zamir, A., Active Insolubilized Antibiotics Based on Cellulose-Metal Chelates, Antimicrob. Agents Chemother.6(6), 777-782 (1974).
33.
Kloos, W.E. and Musselwhite, M.S., Distribution andPersistence of Staphylococcus and Micrococcus Species and Other Aerobic Bacteria on Human Skin, Appl. Microbiol.30, 381-395(1975).
34.
Kotetskii, V.V. et al., "Threads Based on Polymers Containing Antimicrobial Products as Additives," French Pat. 1,590,713, May 29, 1970.
35.
Kraskin, K.S. , "Inhibiting Production of Undesirable Products on Body Surfaces and Environs," U.S. Pat. 3,920,020, Nov. 18, 1975.'
36.
Lashen, E.S. , NewMethod for Evaluating Antibacterial Activity Directly on Fabric, Appl. Microbiol.21(4), 771-773 (1971).
37.
Lebedev, L.V. et al., Use of Antimicrobial and Partly Resorbable Artificial Fibers in Surgery, Polim. Med.2(2), 153-161 (1972).
38.
Leyden, J.J. and Kligman, A.A., TheRole of Microorganisms in Diaper Dermatitis , Arch. Dermatol.114, 56-59 (1978).
39.
Lifland, L., and Stanley, L.A., "Bacteriostatic Finish for Cellulosic Fabrics," U.S. Pat. 3,594,113, July 20, 1971.
40.
Litsky, B.Y. and Litsky, W., Bacterial Shedding During Bed-Stripping of Reusable and Disposable Linens as Detected by the High Air Volume Sampler, Health Lab. Sci.8, 29-34 (1971).
41.
Luechauer, L., personal communication.
42.
MacKawa, Y. , Yoshikado, S., and Toshio, H., Diaper Area Granuloma of the Aged, Arch. Dermatol.114, 382-383 (1978).
43.
Marples, M.J. , "The Ecology of the Human Skin," Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, 1965.
44.
Mazurov, K.V. , Popov, V.I., and Berezin, A.A., Results of a Study of the Allergic Properties of Viscose Rayon, Gig. Tr. Prof. Zabol. (11), 52-55 ( 1976).
45.
McNeil, E., Studies of Bacteria Isolated from Home Laundering, in " Developments in Industrial Microbiology," Vol. 4, Koda, C. F. (Ed), American Institute of Biological Science, Washington, D.C., 1963, pp. 314-318.
46.
McNeil, E. et al., The Role of Bacteria in the Development of Perspiration Odor on Fabrics, Amer. Dyest. Reptr.52(25), P1010-1013 (1963).
47.
Montes, L.F. et al., Microbiol Flora of Infant's Skin. Comparison of Types of Microorganisms Between Normal Skin and Diaper Dermatitis, Arch. Dermatol.103, 400-406 (1971).
48.
Murayama, Y., Nakamura, M., and Yokokoshi, K., Washfast Antimicrobial Polyacrylonitrile Fibers," Japan. Pat. 69 29, 379, Nov. 29, 69.
49.
Nicholes, P.S. , Bacteria in Laundered Fabrics, Am. J. Public Health60(11), 2175-2180 (1970).
50.
Paas, A., "Dry Cleaning and Disinfecting ofTextiles," German Pat. 2,019,809, Sept. 30, 1971.
51.
Palienko, L.Y. , Vuek, L.M., and Solyanik , M.A., Filter Material Based on a Bactericide Modification of Pulp, Tsellyul. Bum. Karton (9), 10-11 (1977).
52.
Petrocci, A.N. and Clarke, P., Proposed Test Method for Antimicrobial Additives , J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem.52, 836-842 (1969).
53.
Pozdnyakov, V.M. et al., Production of Fibers For Medical Use Based on Vinyl Alcohol-Vinyl-pyrrolidinone Copolymer and Mixtures of Their Homopolymers, Fiziol. Opt. Aktiv. Polim. Veshchestva, 155-158 (1971).
54.
Quinn, H., A Method For the Determination of the Antimicrobial Properties of Treated Fabrics, Appl. Microbiol.10, 74-78 (1962).
55.
Radford, P.J. , Application and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Finishes, Amer. Dyest. Reptr.62(11), 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 59 (1973).
56.
Rowland, S.P. , Wade, C.P., and Cirino, V.O., Exploration of Zinc Salts of Acrylic-type Polymers as Hydrophilic Finishes for Durable-Press Cotton Fabrics, Textile Res. J.47, 692-698 (1977).
57.
Satzinger, G. and Marinis, S., "Chemotherapeutic Bandaging Material ," German Pat. 2,056,771, May 25, 1972.
58.
Schmitt, E.E. , "TreatingBurns," U.S. Pat. 3,983,209, Sept. 28, 1976.
59.
Schwartz, G.C. , "Bacteria Growth-inhibiting Textiles and Dry Cleaning and Disinfecting Compositions," Brit. Pat. 1,281,475, Jul. 12, 1972.
60.
Seaman, R.E. , TheChallenge of Barrier Testing, in "Nonwovens Technology and its Application to Market Growth," 6th INDA Technical Symposium Papers, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, Atlanta, Ga., March 27-29, 1978, pp. 66-74.
61.
Sidwell, R.W. , Dixon, G.J., and McNeil, E., Quantitative Studies on Fabrics as Disseminators of Viruses. I. Persistence of Vaccinia Virus on Cotton and Wool Fabrics, Appl. Microbiol.14(1), 55-59 (1966).
62.
Sidwell, R.W. et al., Quantitative Studies on Fabrics as Disseminators of Viruses. IV. Virus Transmission by Dry Contact of Fabrics , Appl. Microbiol.19(6),950-954 (1970).
63.
Sidwell, R.W. et al., Quantitative Studies on Fabrics as Disseminators of Viruses. V. Effect of Laundering on Poliovirus-Contaminated Fabrics, Appl. Microbiol.21(2), 227-234 (1971).
64.
Sonetaka, K. , Nishino, A., and Kumano, H., "Material for Disinfecting Waters," Japan. Pat. 74,106,142, Oct. 8, 1974.
65.
Timoshpol'skaya, F.B., Kalontarov, I.Y., and Liverant , V.L., Preparation of Bactericidal Reactive Dyes, Dokl. Akad. Nauk Tadzh. SSR20(6), 44-47 (1977).
66.
Vigo, T.L., Antibacterial Finishing of Textiles: Potential, Problems, Progress, and Prospects , Chem. Tech.6, 455-458 (1976).
67.
Vigo, T.L., Antibacterial Fibers, in "Modified Cellulosics," Rowell, R. M. and Young, R. A. (Eds.), Academic Press, New York, 1978, pp. 259-284.
68.
Virnik, A.D. et al., Manufacture of Cellulose Textiles with Antimicrobic Finishes, Tekst. Prom. ( Moscow) 32(5), 56-59 (1972).
69.
Vol'f, L.A. et al., Biologically Active Poly(vinyl alcohol) Fibers, Letilan, Khim. Volokna (6), 16-18 (1963).
70.
Walter, W.F. and Schillinger, J.E., Bacterial Survival in Laundered Fabrics , Appl. Microbiol.29(3), 368-373 (1975).
71.
Wardle, M.D. and Romo, B.I., Biobarrier Function of Operating Room Gowns and Drapes, in " Nonwovens Technology and its Application to Market Growth," 6th INDA Technical Symposium Papers, Association of the Nonwovens Fabric Industry, Atlanta, Ga., March 27-29, 1978, pp. 52-65.
72.
Westwood, J.C.N. , Mitchell, M.A., and Legacé, S., Hospital Sanitation : The Massive Bacterial Contamination of the Wet Mop, Appl. Microbiol.21(4), 693-697 (1971).
73.
Wetzler, T.F. , Quan, T.J., and Schatzle , K., Critical Analysis of the Microflora of Toweling, Amer. J. Public Health61, 376-393 (1971).
74.
Wilkoff, L.J. , Westbrook, L., and Dixon, G.J., FactorsAffecting the Persistence of Staphylococcus aureus on Fabrics, Appl. Microbiol.17(2), 268-274 (1969).
75.
Wilkoff, L.J. , Westbrook, L., and Dixon, G.J., Persistence of Salmonella typhimurium on Fabrics, Appl. Microbiol.18(2), 256-261 (1969).
