FUNCTIONAL ABILITY - THE ANTIMICROBIAL PROPERTY OF FABRIC

-S.Jayapriya*, D.Suryaprabha**

*Dr. S. Jayapriya, Head, Department of Costume Design and Fashion, Nehru Arts and Science College,
T.M.Palayam, Coimbatore- 640 105. E-mail: [email protected]

** D.Suryaprabha, Asst. Prof, Department of Costume Design and Fashion, Nehru Arts and Science College,
T.M.Palayam, Coimbatore- 640 105.

Abstract

In the hierarchy of human needs, clothing ranks second top most priority next to food. The use of
textile for clothing known to mankind from primitive age was gradually extended to household and domestic
applications with progressive civilizations. Clothing which served mere protection has changed to “Health
Based Clothing”. Antimicrobial fabrics are not only important in medical application but also in daily use
conditions .There is a great demand for antimicrobial textiles based on ecofriendly agents which not only
help to reduce effectively the ill effects associated due to microbial growth on textile material but also
comply with statutory requirements imposed by regulating agencies . But recently there are lot of attraction
towards natural based herbs as an antimicrobial agent because of its eco friendly and health hazardless . Though
the use of antimicrobials have been known for the decades, it is only the recent couple of years, several attempts
have been made on finishing textiles with antimicrobial compounds. Antimicrobial finish prevents the growth of
bacteria, health protecting, preventing diseases . Clothing and textile materials are not only the carriers of
microorganisms such as pathogenic bacteria, odour generating bacteria and mould fungi, but also good media
for the growth of the microorganisms. Among various functional ability the antimicrobial property of fabric is
being considered to be important with garments, which are in direct contact with human body.

Key Words: Antimicrobial, finish, textiles

INTRODUCTION Fungi are active at a pH level of 6.5. Algae are

typical microorganisms which may be either fungal
Microbes such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or bacterial. Algae require continuous sources of
and yeast are present almost everywhere. Human water and sun light to grow and develop darker
beings have an immune system to protect against stains on the fabrics. Algae are active in the pH
accumulation of microorganisms but material such range of 7.0-8.0. Dust mites are eight legged
as textiles can easily be colonised by high numbers creatures that feed on human skin cells and their
of microbes or even decomposed by them. Textiles liberated waste products can cause allergic
are carriers of microorganisms such as pathogenic reactions and respiratory disorders
bacteria, odour- generating bacteria, mould and
fungi. Antimicrobials enhance the functionality and ANTIMICROBIAL MODES OF ACTION
value of textile products by keeping the
microorganisms that cause odour and fibre Most of the antibacterial agents work
degradation under control under two main principles: inhibition of the growth
of the cells (biostatic) and killing of the cell
MICROBES (biocidal). Almost all the commercial antimicrobial
agents are biocides. They damage the cell wall or
A variety of microorganisms like bacteria, inhibit the metabolism of the cell by stopping
fungi, algae and viruses come under this category. nutrient penetration inside the cell; both are
A bacterium is a unicellular organism which grows necessary for the survival of the cell expresses
very rapidly under warmth and moisture. The D.Gupta, and S. Bhaumik (2007).
bacteria family is further classified as Gram The degree of activity is denoted by:
positive, Gram negative, spore bearing or non spore «-cidal»: agent that kill microorganisms
bearing type. Some specific types of bacteria are «-static»: agents that inhibits microorganisms
pathogenic and cause cross infection. Fungi, molds growth i.e. their number remains the same.
or mildew are complex organisms with slow Example: When the microorganism is killed the
growth rate. They stain the fabric and deteriorate suffix “cide” “Bactericide” and when the growth
the performance characteristics of the fabrics.
is stopped the suffix “static” is used e.g on, and also to keep the cost within reasonable
“Bacteriostatic” limits.
3. Toxicity
It must be non-toxic or of an extremely low order
of toxicity. This is the most essential requirement of
a good antimicrobial agent.
4. Odour
The antimicrobial compounds must not impart an
unpleasant odour to the end item, particularly if it
falls into the wear-apparel class. A number of
Figure1 Bacteriostatic vs Bactericide antimicrobial agents possess unpleasant odour
characteristics, while others are entirely free from
Essentials of Antimicrobial Finishes this objectionable feature.
Antimicrobial treatment for textile materials is 5. Colour
necessary to: If the colour is of importance to the sale of the
 Avoid cross infection by pathogenic product, the antimicrobial agent must not discolour
microorganisms. the treated material. This characteristic presents no
 Control the infestation by microbes. great obstacle, since dye adjustments easily
 Arrest metabolism in microbes in order to overcome any colour changes caused by these
reduce the formation odour. agents.
 Safeguard the textile products from 6. Hand
staining, discoloration and quality The antimicrobial agent must not significantly
deterioration views Sanjay R. Malpani, change the hand of the fabric, especially if the
(2013) . fabric is to be used in the manufacture of wearing
 Limit the growth of the bacterial colonies apparel. Fabric should not get harsh hand after-
to their extinction. treatment from antimicrobial agent.
 Prevent the microbial attack on it and to 7. Chemical Effects
prolong their useful life opines Selva The antimicrobial agent must have no adverse
Subha et al (2007). chemical effects on the fabric processed. The
 Protect the textile user against pathogenic tensile strength of the fabric must be maintained
or odour causing microorganisms. through long periods of use under all types of
conditions .
 Guard the textile itself from damage
caused by mould, mildew or rot producing
Herbal antimicrobial agents
microorganisms
Herbal textile is finished entirely with
herbal extractions without using any sort of
Characteristics of Antimicrobial Agents for
chemicals. These herbs are applied directly to the
Textiles
fabric with the help of natural ingredients so that
the medicinal value of the herbs can be kept intact.
Antimicrobial agents can be considered as textile
Herbal treated cloth has the ability to protect us
antimicrobial agents if they have the following
from various skin diseases, provides relief from
characteristics expresses Naresh M. Saraf et al
viral infected diseases and mental depressions
(2011).
expresses Jayalakshmi.I and Manjusha.K.J (2013).
1. Stability
Recognising the importance of plant materials as
Stability is determined by resistance to heat, light,
antimicrobial agents, research has been initiated in
ultraviolet rays and oxidizing agents. Very few
the area of producing bioactive textiles for the
chemical compounds possess all the characteristics.
protection of wearer from common microbes
The agent must be stable as a compound and also
causing cross infections , expresses Deepti Gupa
when applied to the fabric. It must be stable not
and Ankur Laha (2007).
only for the estimated life of the finished goods, but
In order to protect the wearer from
must retain its stability through long period of
infection, textile fabrics can be finished with herbal
storage.
antimicrobial agents. Herbal antimicrobial finish is
2. Efficacy
one of the special finishes which can be applied to
The efficacy may be bacteriostatic/fungistatic or
the textile material in order to protect the skin of
bactericidal/fungicidal. A large number of products
the wearer and the textile substrate itself Hooda S.
actually destroy the microbes before they can grow
et al.,(2013)
and damage the fabric. Moreover, the compounds
must be effective at a relatively small percentage,
CONCLUSION
so as to enable the user to retain low weight add-
Hence, it is utmost important to
incorporate some form of antimicrobial agent in the
textile material to get good quality, longer
durability and better aesthetic value. Antimicrobials
find wide application in textiles and this trend is
further expected to strengthen in future.

REFERENCES

1. Deepti Gupa and Ankur Laha (2007),

Antimicrobial activity of cotton fabric
treated with Quercus infectoria extract,
Indian Journal of Fibre and textile
research, March, 32, p: 88.
2. Gupta.D, and S. Bhaumik (2007),
“Antimicrobial Treatments for Textiles,”
Indian Journal of Fibre and Textile
Research, 32, pp. 254-263.
3. Jayalakshmi.I and Manjusha.K.J (2013),
Ayurvedic Medicated Products and its
Applications, , Man-made Textiles in
India, April, Page: 128-130.
4. Naresh M. Saraf, Dr Ashok G. Sabale and
Vaishali Rane, (2011), Antimicrobial
Finish: Strengthening the Next
Generation, International dyer, October,
pp: 35,36
5. Hooda S , Khambra K ,Yadav N and Sikka
V. K. (2013), Antimicrobial activity of
herbal treated wool fabric, American
International Journal of Research in
Formal, Applied & Natural Sciences, 3(1),
June-August, Page 66.
6. Selva Subha.A , Vijay Anand.A, Anita
Hebsiba.G and Thambidurai.S, (2007),
Finishing of cotton fabric with seaweed
extract for anti-bacterial activity,
Colourage, November, p:80
7. Sanjay R. Malpani, (2013) , Antibacterial
Treatment on Cotton Fabric from Neem
Oil, Aloe Vera &Tulsi , International
Journal of Advance Research in Science
and Engineering , 2(7), July, pp: 37, 39 .