Antimicrobial Finish

By:
Supriya Pal

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 Antimicrobial Finish
By: Supriya Pal

Clothing and textile materials carriers a lot of microorganisms. A microorganism or microbe is an

organism that is microscopic and usually not seen by the naked human eye. Microorganisms
include bacteria, fungi, archaea, and protists; microscopic plants such as green algae; and
animals such as plankton and the planarian. Some microbiologists include viruses in
microorganisms.

Bacteria are uni-cellular organisms and grown very rapidly

under warmth and moisture. Sub divisions of bacteria family
include Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram
negative (E-Coli), spore bearing or non spore bearing type.
Some bacteria are pathogenic and cause cross infection.
Fungi, molds or mildew are complex organisms. Their
growth rate is slow. They cause stain on the fabric and
deteriorate the fabrics. Fungi become active at a pH level of
6.5. Algae are typical micro organisms which are either
fungal or bacterial. Algae require continuous sources of
water and sun light to grow and cause darker stains on the
fabrics.

The hospital and

healthcare systems are affected by microorganisms and cause
negative effects. Deterioration, defacement and odors are all
caused by microbial contamination of surfaces of uniforms and
medical fabrics, medical devices and hard surfaces i.e., walls,
ceilings, and air duct systems.

Even though many precautions are taken to prevent or reduce

the transmission of harmful organisms in hospitals, such as
hand-cleaning, housekeeping, and laundry protocols, but the risk of crosses contamination of
surfaces and textiles to patients and staff is considerable. Textile material and hard surface in a
hospital environment is a potential carrier of infectious agents such as bacteria, fungi, and yeast.
The only effective way for reducing such infections throughout the healthcare complex is to use
safe persistent antimicrobial technologies and to maintain the highest standards of hygiene.

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Hospitals, schools, hotels, residences, food storage areas, and manufacturing facilities such as
electronics, food, pharmaceuticals should have control of surface sourced microbial
contaminants. The control of microbes must include for garments, beddings, linens, wipes,
surgical fabrics, and other textile materials used in healthcare operations and construction
materials.

The inherent properties of a textile product lead to growth of organisms. The growth of
microorganism on textile product leads to lot of functional, hygienic and aesthetic problems. Out
of this, the most problematic microorganisms are fungi and bacteria. Algae can grow on textile
product under humid conditions. They are problematic only because they act as nutrient sources
for fungi and bacteria. Fungi can cause several problems to textile product, such as discoloration,
colored stains and fiber damage. Bacteria may cause unpleasant odors, slick, slimy feel and also
can leads to some fiber damage.

During processing of textile material, several substances added to the textile materials, such as
lubricants, antistats, size, thickeners and hand modifiers. All these are a source of food for
microorganisms. Synthetic fibers are less susceptible to deterioration by affecting microorganisms
than natural fibers. Natural fibers are more easily attacked by microorganisms. Natural man
made fibers, such as rayon are easily attacked by mildew and bacteria. Animal fibers, such as
keratin, wool, silk are more easily attacked by bacteria and insects than cotton, whereas cotton is
more likely to be attacked by fungi than wool.

In the existing bacteria there are pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms. Both can multiply
abnormally on the textile surfaces.

Table shows some examples of pathogenic and non pathogenic microorganism.

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The textile materials, on which some nutrients are available such as food contamination, oil, fat,
protein, sugar, skin secretions like sweat and sebum etc., leads to medium for a rapid growth of
microorganisms.

Antimicrobial agent

Antimicrobial are substances or mixtures of substances that are used to destroy or prevent the
growth of harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Antimicrobial products
contain about 275 different active ingredients and are marketed in several formulations: sprays,
liquids, concentrated powders, and gases. Antimicrobial treatment on textile material are used to
prevent deterioration by insects, fungi, algae, bacteria and microorganism. This impart hygienic
finishes for specific applications.

Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses) cause infectious diseases, and
antimicrobial agents (such as penicillin, streptomycin, and over 150 others) have been developed
to prevent the severity and spread of many of these diseases.

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 Antimicrobial clothing in sports

Today, approximately one billion dollars each year are spent on a variety of different types of
antimicrobial products. More than 5000 antimicrobial products are currently registered with the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and commercially available. Nearly 60% of
antimicrobial products are registered to control infectious microorganisms in hospitals and other
health care environments. Antimicrobial protection is effective against a broad spectrum of micro-
organisms, including:

• MRSA (Methicillin resistant Staphlococcus aureus)

• MSSA (Methicillin sensitive Staphlococcus aureus)
• E. coli
• Legionella pneumophila
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
• Salmonella typhimurium and enteritidis
• Listeria monocytogenes
• VRE (vancomycin – resistant enterococcus)
• Campylobacter
• Staph. aureus
• Aspergillus niger

Algae, bacteria and fungi attack the surfaces of textile products and cause several detrimental
effects such as:
-odor development,
-staining,
-loss of mechanical properties,
-discoloration,
-biofilm formation, and
- cross contamination

Human Body and Odor

Most fungi and bacteria spread at ambient temperatures of 10-200C or at warmer environment of
clothing or bedding which is in close proximity to the skin. Many bacteria such as S Aureus, S
Epidermidis, and Corynebacterium sp are developed in the human skin. Human body having two

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types of sweat glands such as, eccrine glands and apocrine glands. The eccrine glands are
scattered over the surface of the body and apocrine glands that built up from the hair folloicle. It
has been observed that stirred sweat together from apocrine glands do not have perspiration
odor for instance cleaned skins. The odor only in generated from un-cleaned skins.

In a favorable environment the microbes can grow at a faster rate and single bacterium can
multiply into 1.6 million in just eight hours. This finally produces odor, discoloration of textiles and
infection of skin. The odors are due to these microorganisms digesting nutrients in the
perspiration and discharging volatile pungent waste products.

Over 75 percent of foot infections were found by the dermophytic fungi, trichophyton interdigitale
and trichophyton rubrum. These will develop in socks while wearing. Laundering techniques are
not helpful in eliminating these athlete's foot fungi from the socks. This may result in cross
infection.

Staining

Plastic materials are necessary to protect the material against micro-organism growth to avoid
staining without over-maintenance. The introduction of antimicrobial in the polymer matrix is more
efficient than surface treatment to inhibit staining.

Cross contamination

Some bacteria is harmful and generate irritant or toxic substances. During

multiplication of these micro-organisms may cause cross contamination,
transfer of microrganisms, poor sanitation and low hygienic standards. Cross
contamination may occur during multiple use articles, and those which are
used by different people.

Hospital mops can be a affected by bacteria if not

sterile properly. Nurse and doctor’s uniform may
cause passing of S Aureus. The growth of
microorganisms may cause health problems, odors
and weakening of the fabrics. The textile materials
that are being used in the hospitals and hotels are

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conductive to cross infection or transmission of diseases originated by microorganisms.

Biofilm formation

Biofilm impacts on the hygiene and aesthetics of articles. When a biofilm is formed, the micro-
organisms carry out chemical reactions in the form of community. This also reduce the
effectiveness of an antimicrobial. Application of an antimicrobial is recommended to avoid biofilm
formation for any material which is in contact with water such as: water cooling tower, hoses,
swimming pool liner, water dispenser.

Discoloration

Discoloration occurs due to microbial attack on polymers which often cause staining. Application
of antimicrobials reduce the chances of discoloration.

Loss of mechanical properties

In some cases, any part of a material act as a nutrient for microorganism which leads to a loss
of the mechanical properties. This ultimately cause brittleness, shrinkage, loss of tensile strength
and integrity of the product.
Fungi and bacteria break-down of the polymer chain (e.g. TPU) or degrade the ingredients (e.g.
plasticizer, natural fibers). Usage of antimicrobial is strongly recommended for material which
are expected to ensure long-term performance and reliability.

Importance of antimicrobial Treatment

An antimicrobial may usually defined as any chemical or substance that inhibits the activity of
microorganisms. Today application of antimicrobial agents in textile field offers a multitude of
functions; for example, in anti-odor technologies, a chemical treatments such as a silver-based
nanotechnology and/or microencapsulation to control the bacteria that contributes to the odor is
utilized. Antimicrobial finishes also prevent stains and health concerns that include allergies and
infectious diseases. Textile products that benefit from the use of antimicrobial treatments include,
but are not limited to, apparel, footwear, home furnishing, automotive and healthcare.

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An antimicrobial treatment on textile materials can take place during storage and transport of raw
materials and at various stages of textile processing. Yarn as well as fabric may be treated with
antimicrobial agents. An antimicrobial finishes are very essential for fabrics that are exposed to
weather. Fabrics which are used for screen, tents, awnings, tarpaulins, blinds, parasols, sails,
water proof clothing, ropes need protection from rotting and mildew. Antimicrobial finishes are
also required for home furnishing fabrics such as carpeting, shower curtain, mattress ticking and
upholstery materials. Antimicrobial finishing is also beneficial for fabrics and protective clothing
where there is a risk for infection from pathogens, such as hospital, nursing homes, schools,
hotels, etc. Textile materials used in museums are often treated with antimicrobial finishes for
preservation. Antimicrobial finishes are also very essential for sized fabrics that are to be stored
or shipped in order to prevent microbial growth. Antimicrobial finishes are very effective for
preventing odors on intimate apparels, underwear, socks and athletic wear.

Antimicrobial agents kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth by various ways, such as:
• Cell wall damage,
• Inhibition of cell wall synthesis,
• Alteration of cell wall permeability,
• Inhibition of the synthesis of proteins and nucleic acids,
• Inhibition of enzymes action.

Types of Antimicrobial Products

Antimicrobial can be divided into two types based on the type of product in which antimicrobial
agents are used:

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 Antimicrobial paint finish

Non-public health products: Antimicrobial product in this category is used in cooling towers,
jet fuel, paints, textile material and in paper products. These inhibit and prevent algae growth,
bacteria which are causing odor and spoilage, deterioration of materials and microorganisms
infectious to animals.

Public health products: Antimicrobial product in this category are used to prevent
microorganisms infectious to humans and are more commonly the following areas:

Sterilizers: This type of antimicrobial product are used to control and inhibit microbial life
including fungi, viruses, all forms of bacteria and their spores and are widely used in
hospitals on medical and surgical, instruments and equipment.

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 Disinfectants: These are used on hard inanimate surfaces and objects to inhibit and
destroy infectious fungi and bacteria but not necessarily their spores. Disinfectant used in
hospital are critical to infection control and are used on medical and dental instruments,
floors, walls ,bed linens, toilet seats, and other surfaces. Disinfectant used in general
purpose includes usage in households, swimming pools, water purifiers.

Sanitizers: These are used to reduce microorganisms, but not necessarily eliminate, from
the inanimate environment to levels which is considered to be safe to public health.
Sanitizers used in food contact includes rinses for surfaces such as dishes and cooking
utensils, equipment and utensils found in dairies, food-processing plants, eating and
drinking establishments. In case of non-food contact products sanitizers used as: carpet
sanitizers , air sanitizers, laundry additives, in-tank toilet bowl sanitizers.

Filter

• Antiseptics and Germicides: These are used to prevent infection and decay by
inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. These type of products are used in or on living
humans or animals. These are considered as drugs and are thus regulated by the Food
and Drug Administration (FDA).

Requirements for Antimicrobial Finish:

Antimicrobial textile finishes need to be satisfied the following requirements to obtain maximum
benefits:

• Durability of activity to laundering, dry cleaning and hot pressing. The antimicrobial must
maintain their desirable properties through multiple cleaning cycles or outdoor exposure.
• Selective activity towards undesirable microorganisms. The antimicrobial must kill or stop
the growth of microbes,

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 • Should not have toxic effects to the manufacturer, user and the environment. The
antimicrobial must be safe for the manufacturer to apply and the consumer to wear.
• Should comply with the statutory requirements of regulating agencies. The antimicrobial
finish must meet strict government regulations and have a minimal environmental impact.
• The antimicrobial must be easily applied on textile material and should be compatible
with other finishing agents;
• Easy method of application, compatibility with common textile processing;
• No adverse effects of the fabric quality; including wear comfort.
• Acceptable moisture transport properties,
• Resistant to body fluids; and
• Resistant to disinfections/sterilization.
• Should be of low cost.

Technologies for antimicrobial protection

The antimicrobial agents can be applied to the textile materials by various ways, such as
exhaust, pad-dry-cure, coating, spray and foam techniques. The antimicrobial agent can also be
applied by directly adding into the fiber spinning dope. The commercial agents can be applied
online during the dyeing and finishing operations.

Bio-active fibers

Textile fibers having antimicrobial properties is commonly known as “bio-

active fibers”. The bio-active fibers also serve their purpose alone or in
blends with other fibers. Bioactive fiber may include chemotherapeutics
in their structure i.e. synthetic drugs of bactericidal and fungicidal
qualities. These fibers are extensively used in medicine and health
prophylaxis applications as well as for manufacturing textile products of
daily use and technical textiles. The area of application of bioactive fibers
includes sanitary materials, dressing materials, surgical threads,
materials for filtration of gases and liquids, home textiles, carpets,
furnishing, mattress and pillows fillings, air-liquid filters, nonwovens,
protective clothing, sportswear, air conditioning and ventilation,
constructional materials, special materials for food industry, pharmaceutical industry, footwear
industry, clothing industry, automotive industry etc.

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In the production of bio-active fibers, the antibacterial agent is supplied into the polymer stream
before the spinneret or blended into the spinning polymer feeding. The additive characteristics
have to be compatible with spinning conditions. A reserve of antibacterial additive is added into
the fiber and, after migration to the surface.

Antimicrobial finish

In the post-process antimicrobial finishing method, the most common techniques to apply
antibacterial agents are: spraying, immersion, padding and coating. The textile materials are often
treated in the final dyeing and finishing stages of their manufacturing process. Antibacterial agent
is linked to the textile surface through physical bonds or anchored by a cross-linking on the fibre.
The most used additives are based on organic compounds like halogenated salicylic acid,
anilides, organotin compounds, quaternary ammonium compounds, organosilicon quaternary
ammonium salts, and quaternary ammonium sulphonamide derivatives .

Antimicrobials are either natural or synthetic and are introduced in the material to kill or suppress
the growth of algae, bacteria and/or fungi. Many technologies are available to solve micro-
organisms related issues.

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 Commercial antimicrobial textile products

Various antimicrobial finishes have been developed for textile fabrics . Some antimicrobial agents
used mainly for protective clothing are as below:

• Copper naphthenate [1338-02-9],

• Copper oxychinolate / copper quinolinolate [10380-28-6],
• Cadmium selenide [1306-24-7],
• Pentachlorophenol fatty acid ester,
• Dimethyldithiocarbamate , e.g. zinc salt [137-30-4],
• Dichlorodiphenylmethane,
• Tetramethyl thiuramidisulphide,
• Salicylanilide [87-17-2],
• Pentachloro phenol [87-86-5],
• Trialkyltin derivatives (e.g. Tribututyltin TBT [56573-85-4]),
• Organic mercury derivatives.

Further types of antibacterial and antifungal agent having ability to interrupt the usual metabolism
of microorganisms are as below:
• Metal salts and organometallics,
• Iodine and iodophors,
• Quaternary ammonium salts,
• Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-containing derivatives,

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 • Amines, ureas and guanidines,
• Phenols and thiophenols,
• antibiotics

Various methods for improving the durability of the finish include:

• Insolubilisation of the active substances in/on the fiber;

• Treating the fiber with resin, condensates or cross linking agents;
• Micro encapsulation of the antimicrobial agents with the fiber matrix;
• Coating the fiber surface;
• Chemical modification of the fiber by covalent bond formation; and
• Use of graft polymers, homo polymers and/or copolymerization on to the fiber.

Some of the commonly used antimicrobial agents are discussed below.

Octadecylaminodimethyltrimethoxysilypropylammonium chloride:

This antimicrobial finishing agent acts on fiber surface and can be applied by either exhaust or
continuous methods. A curing step is required after application to form a siloxane polymer
coating on the fiber surface which immobilizes the antimicrobial part of the antimicrobial agent
and provides the necessary durability to laundering.

PHMB, polyhexamethylene biguanide:

PHMB is a bound antimicrobial type of finishing agent having structure to bind tightly to fiber
surface. They can be applied also either by pad or exhaust method. The antimicrobial treated
cationically charged materials is assumed to be react with cationic molecule with anionic
phospholipids in the microbe’s cell walls. This increase the permeability of the cell walls till to the
death of the cell.

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Methylol -5,5’-dimethylhydantion

Formation of chloramines on cellulose

Renewable bound antimicrobial

This is a novel approach of bound antimicrobial, in which cotton is treated with methylol -5,5’-
dimethyldyantion. It is then treated with hypochlorite to form chloramines in the fiber, which have
antibacterial property and act as renewable antimicrobial agents during continued hypochlorite
treatment through household bleaching and washing after reacting with bacteria.

Chitosan

Chitosan is a non-toxic, biodegradable, natural polysaccharide and is a modified biopolymer

derived from chitin. Chitin is converted to chitosan by alkaline treatment. The difference between
chitosan and cellulose is the amine group in the position C-2 of chitosan instead of the hydroxyl
group in cellulose. Alkali is spited from chitosan and free amino groups is generated which

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provide antimicrobial effects which can be amplified by methylation of the amino groups to
quaternary trimethylammonium structures. Due to the reactive hydroxyl groups chitosan can be
chemically bound on cellulose through common durable press finishes. Chitosan can be applied
by microencapsulation or by reactive bonding to cellulose and by crosslinking of cellulose. The
chitosan antimicrobial finish offers high absorbency properties, moisture control, promotion of
wound healing, non-allergenic, non-toxic, and biodegradable properties.

Chitosan from chitin

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Alkylammonium Cations

N-Halamines

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OBPA-based Fungicide & Antibacterial

OBPA based antimicrobials is a broad spectrum fungicide and widely used in the flexible PVC
and polyurethane industries.

Zinc Pyrithione-based Fungicide

Zinc pyrithione based antimicrobials prevent the growth of fungi, yeast, mold and bacteria and
used as an active ingredient in cosmetics, especially as an anti-dandruff ingredient in shampoo
preparations and in paints and sealants as an antifouling agent.

Thiabendazole -based Fungicide

Thiabndenzole-based antimicrobials prevent growth of broad spectrum of fungi and cause

morphological distortion of germinating spores by preventing ß-tubulin assembly during mitosis.
Thiabendazole-based antimicrobials offers protection of plastic surfaces from staining, odor
development and deterioration of physical properties.
The active ingredient are used as drug for livestock and human as well as fungicide to control fruit
and vegetable diseases. Some other applications are as below:

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Isothiazolinone - based Fungicide

Isothiazolinone-based antimicrobials having wide action on micro-organisms by interacting and

oxidizing accessible cellular thiols. Some of the applications of isothiazolinone-based
antimicrobials are:

Triclosan-based Antibacterial

Triclosan prevent the growth of algae and bacteria through an electro-chemical action and
penetrate and disrupt their cell walls. Due to penetration of the cell walls, leakage of metabolites
occurs and other cell functions has been disabled. This prevents the micro-organism of algae
and bacteria from functioning or reproducing.

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Triclosan-based antimicrobials offers durable protection of plastic material from odor
development ,staining , discoloration, cross contamination etc. Triclosan is also used in hospitals
and personal care products such as antimicrobial soap, toothpaste and deodorants.

Applications of Triclosan-based antimicrobials

Silver-based Antibacterial Technology

Complex metallic compounds based on metals such as cadmium, silver, copper and mercury
inhibit active enzyme centers (inhibit metabolism). Amongst them silver compounds are very
popular.

Silver has long been known for its antimicrobial properties and provides many benefits over other
antimicrobials that are alcohol-, chlorine-, or ammonium-based. Silver is proven to be safe with no
toxic affects on people, plants or animals. Silver-based antimicrobials slowly releases silver ions
by a ion exchange mechanism which interact with the micro-organisms and prevent a wide
spectrum of bacteria. Silver- based antimicrobial is effective, safe, natural and sustainable. Silver
has been used for centuries due to its abilities to aid preservation. The ancient Greeks used
silver vessels in order to keep water fresh and Chinese Emperors ate with silver chopsticks.
Silver was widely used in hospitals in order to combat bacteria. Today silver is used in a wide
range of medical applications such as wound dressings and catheters. Today silver can be
added to daily use products at the manufacturing stage due to its effectiveness against a wide
range of microorganisms and lack of toxicity to non-target cells.

Silver-based antimicrobial can be applied to a variety of materials without affecting the

performance or aesthetics of the product. The latest silver-based antimicrobials having color
retention property under sunlight exposure. It also provides odor control and offers long-lasting
protection against bacteria settlement and growth. Silver-based antimicrobial provides
continuous, built-in protection against a wide range of bacteria, mould and fungi, including:
MRSA, E.coli, Salmonella, Legionella, Aspergillus niger.

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How silver antimicrobial works

In silver antimicrobial technology, the silver may be added to a product in the form of silver ions,
at the time of manufacturing stage. From the antimicrobial protected surface, silver ions are
continually released and act on bacteria contaminating the product. These silver ions then bind
with the bacteria and damage their cells, stopping their normal function and reproducing. The
silver ion then destroyed the bacteria.

The silver ions act in a number of ways.

• Silver ions are known to combine with bacterial proteins which is located in the cell wall
and cytoplasm. This stops their normal functioning. As the proteins plays a vital role for
the healthy functioning of the cell, hence interference of their functioning leads to death of
the bacteria.
• Silver ions are also known to produce a harmful chemicals, called reactive oxygen
species (ROCs) inside bacterial cells which are harmful to living cells as they damage to
the cell structures. This ultimately results in the cell's death.
• Silver ions are also known to interfere for coping the genetic material or DNA of
bacteria. Bacteria copies their DNA when they reproduce to make new cells. Silver ions
block the copying of the genetic material and stop the bacteria being able to replicate.
Due to this reason, a non-replicating population of bacteria won't increase in size as the
cells that die are not replaced by new ones. This stops the population of bacteria.

Agion offer a variety of silver-based technologies to suit various manufacturing and product
requirements through the controlled release of silver ions which attack microbes and inhibit their
growth in different ways.

Agion incorporate silver ions in a zeolite carrier. The silver ions exchange with other positive ions
(often sodium) from the moisture in the environment, effecting a release of silver when required.
The multi-faceted zeolite crystal provides efficient release of silver ions independent of particle
orientation in the substrate.

The multi-faceted zeolite crystal carrier

The Zeolite crystals which contain silver ions are randomly oriented and distributed on the fiber
surface. During the growth of bacteria, the positive ions from ambient moisture, exchange with

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silver ions at reversible bonding sites on the zeolite. The exchanged silver ions control microbial
growth.

Ion exchange process

Micro-encapsulation

Micro-encapsulation is one of the latest technologies used to impart an array of unique

characteristics to a garment, in which tiny particles or droplets are surrounded by a coating to
give small capsules many useful properties. The material inside the microcapsule is called as
core, internal phase, or fill, whereas the wall is referred to as a shell, coating, or membrane.
Microcapsules having diameters between a few micrometers and a few millimeters. The
technique of microencapsulation depends on the physical and chemical properties of the material
to be encapsulated. The core materials may be encapsulated so that the core material will be
released either gradually through the capsule walls, known as controlled release or diffusion, or
when external conditions trigger the capsule walls to rupture, melt, or dissolve.

Micro encapsulated particles are anchored onto the fiber. As the wearer moves, the capsules are
triggered and a slow release of the active ingredient is produced. Active ingredients may include
moisturizers, aloe, vitamin E, therapeutic smells and insect repellent.

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The encapsulation technology in textiles offers an entirely unique range of marketing
opportunities and product enhancements. Micro-encapsulation is the containment of fragrance,
moisturizers or essential oils in microscopic spheres. Capsule content is protected against
evaporation, contamination or oxidation until its release is triggered when the capsule walls are
ruptured through external force. Gentle rubbing of a coated area or wearing a capsule treated
garment will trigger the release of the capsule contents.

The micro-capsules having several benefits such as converting liquids to solids, separating
reactive compounds, providing environmental protection, improved material handling
properties. Active materials are encapsulated in micron-sized capsules of barrier polymers
(gelatin, plastic, wax, etc.).

Application of microencapsulation

The applications for microencapsulated material are almost limitless. Microencapsulated

materials are used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, foods, cosmetics and fragrances, textiles,
paper, paints, coatings and adhesives, printing applications, and many other industries.

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Karmat Micro-Encapsulation

Karmat offers Micro-Encapsulated bioactive material used in the food and pharmaceutical
industry. The trigger mechanism of releasing the microencapsulated material could be:
temperature, moisture, pH, time dependent, mechanical rupture, enzymatic, biodegradation.

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Microencapsulation Release Mechanism

Microencapsulation in Odor Control:

Odor is a serious problem in the apparel and hosiery arenas. This can be controlled through an
antimicrobial finish. The odor molecules are removed when they are formed or covering up the
odor with a fragrance. Micro encapsulation technology applied to the fabric cover up odors with
fragrances. Microcapsules containing fragrances can be applied to the fabric which provide a
slow release over time.

Odors are generated due to bacterial growth. An antimicrobial finish to the fabric can prevent
bacterial growth and hence eliminates the odor.

Cyclodextrins can be applied into a fabric finish controlling the odor. Cyclodextrins have a unique
molecular structure which composed of a hydrophobic cavity, with a hydrophilic exterior. The odor
molecules being hydrophobic become trapped in the cavities of the cyclodextrins. These are
removed during laundering.

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icroencapsulation Food, Flavors & Neutraceuticals:

Microencapsulation also widely utilized in various field, other than textile, such as in Food,
Flavors, Neutraceuticals and Phamaceutical industries.

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The Microencapsulation offers:

• The encapsulated flavors offers controlled release in food applications,

• The encapsulated food ingredients, protected against heat degradation or unwarranted
reactions with other ingredients,
• Encapsulation of ingredients for taste masking,
• Encapsulation premixes the Vitamins & minerals,
• The functional and nutritional values of costly ingredients has been preserved, such as
vitamins, by protecting them against heat, destabilizing pH values and unwarranted
reactions with other food

• It combines incompatible ingredients by encapsulation. The controlled release (heat, pH,

mechanical action triggered) enables the manufacturer to optimize the production
process

Stain Resistance

Traditionally, fluorochemicals have been used to provide stain resistant characteristics to the
textile material. Fabrics finished with fluorochemicals have nonstick properties. But
fluorochemicals can have adverse effects on the environment and on human and animal health.

With the advent of nanotechnology, unique and permanent stain resistant finishes are being
developed. Nanotechnology is referred to as the precise manipulation of individual atoms and
molecules to create layered structures. Nanosize particles can exhibit unexpected properties—
different from those of the bulk material. The basic premise is that properties can dramatically
change when a substance’s size is reduced to the nanometer range.

NanoTex treatments are applied on a fabric in a bath. The nanoparticles come in contact with the
fibers of the fabric when the fabric pass through the bath. During curing the nanoparticles
spread out evenly and bond to the fibers. This treatments do not jeopardize the essential
properties of textile such as the aesthetic characteristics or mechanical properties of the fabric.
This treatments can be applied to cotton, polyester, silk and wool.

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Applications of antimicrobial finishes

There are different kinds of antimicrobial finishes useful for different applications and levels of
protection. The application of antimicrobial finish in textiles includes outdoor, healthcare sector,
sports and leisure. A wide range antimicrobial textile product is now available in the market, such
as uniforms, tents, defense textiles and technical textiles, such as, geo-textiles. Home textiles,
such as, curtains coverings, and bath mats also came with antimicrobial finish.

One major application of antimicrobial finish is in the medical sector. Medical applications need
powerful bactericidal antimicrobials that can maintain sterile environments. Latest technologies in
antimicrobial finishing are successfully employed in non-woven sector especially in medical
textiles. Institutional application of antimicrobial such as uniforms and hotel/ restaurant fabric,
the antimicrobial clothing required a bacteriostatic effect to control stains and odor. Apparel and
home textile applications such as active wear, bed linen, hosiery, underwear, carpeting, etc,
required antimicrobial activity to control odor and staining.

Some examples of where antimicrobial material are used

Area of Features Application
application
Fabric Major area of uses are: under
ware, bedclothes,
socks/stockings, diaper, baby
products, towel/wet towel,
carpet/curtain, sports utilities,
shoe insole, seat cover for
toilet.

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Home Anti-bacterial agents are
Furnishing used on clothes/ shoes/
beds/wall papers, bedcovers,
linens, wraps, drapes, covers,
and other textile. They are also
used for washes, filters for
clean water, rubber gloves,
vacuum cleaner pouch, paint
for the kitchen and dining
room, filter for aquarium.

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Paper Toilet papers, hygienic band,
diaper cover.

General Waste water treatments, paint

industry for exterior/interior, water proof
agent, toys, non woven fabric
polyurethane sponge,
cosmetic puff, fishing net,
plastic items.

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Vehicles/Shi Interior, seat, floor, stain
ps resistance paint, air
conditioner paint.

Constructio Antimicrobial treatments on

n Materials roofing and envelope materials
integrated with the engineered
textiles can offer installation
and performance properties
that enhance the value of
these products.

Furnishing Antimicrobial agent are used

Materials in upholstered furniture,
bedding, or carpeting.
Engineered fabrics have a
unique role to play and
strengthen their value with
antimicrobial treatments.

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Housekeepi From wipes, mops, sponges
ng Goods to other cleaning supplies,
engineered fabrics have utility
and with an antimicrobial
finish, serve a more durable
and functional life.

Garments Engineered textiles bring

strength, cleanability,
breathability, insulation
properties, barrier properties
and antimicrobial treatments
as valuable assets to many
uses. These properties are all
important in the great variety of
garments used in medical care
operations.

Antimicrobial finishes for textile materials should have following characteristics:

• To avoid cross infection by pathogenic micro organisms;

• To control the infestation by microbes;
• To arrest metabolism in microbes in order to reduce the formation odor; and
• To safeguard the textile products from staining, discolorations and quality deterioration.

Due to the inert nature and efficacy against a wide range of bacteria, antimicrobials can be
incorporated into a vast array of materials including plastics, wet paint, powder coatings,
varnishes and textiles and having a wide range of applications.

Page 32 of 36
Healthcare

Hygiene is a major concern in today's society, and safe protection of daily products, in hospitals,
public places, or at home is very essential and highly valued by customers.

One major application of antimicrobial application is in the medical field. Medical applications
demand powerful bactericidal antimicrobials in order to maintain sterile environments. Healthcare-
associated infections (HCAIs) are an international problem.

According to The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), 4.1 million
patients each year affect from at least one hospital acquired infection and in US 1.7 million people
infected and 99,000 associated deaths each year. Countries around the world has established
their own means for controlling the infection in order to reduce the risk of HCAIs.

The use of antimicrobial protected products can complement existing infection prevention and to
help provide cleaner and more hygienic healthcare environments.

Food & catering

The Food contamination is a serious problem for food and catering sector. The main reason of
food-borne illness is the transfer of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, this transfer is
known as cross-contamination.

Silver based antimicrobial protected products are increasingly being used for HACCP (Hazard
Awareness Critical Control Points) food management protocol. This reduce the risk of bacterial

Page 33 of 36
contamination. Silver antimicrobial technology is effective against a broad range of microbes,
including E. coli, Salmonella, Staph. aureus and Campylobacter. Silver based antimicrobial is
ideal for application on appliances, machinery, equipment and surroundings where food is
produced, transported, packaged, stored and prepared.

Antimicrobial Activity Tests

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Percentage of Anti-microbial products application in various Industries

References:

1) http://www.articleonramp.com/Article.cfm?ID=469
2) http://www.biocote.com/silver.htm
3) http://www.fr-tex.com/p_inc/news_detail.asp?d_id=493&ty=en&typename=Industry,
4) http://www.techexchange.com/thelibrary/innovateor.html
5) http://books.google.co.in/books?id=4jkUpC1OtuwC&pg=PA165&lpg=PA165&dq=antimicr
obal+protection+finish+for+clothing&source=bl&ots=mVkpVrV6vw&sig=TQB_tfYK3KuOa
oDU5vRHQjMsFAU&hl=en&ei=Md-
mSsukH5Ke6gOvvYmkBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2#v=onepage&q=&
f=false
6) http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gate2tech.com/IMG/jpg/Application_
on_microencapsulation2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.gate2tech.com/article.php3%3Fid_arti
cle%3D14&usg=___cZfR0j4x_hDknzYHekucaSS6Kc=&h=252&w=440&sz=85&hl=en&st
art=1&um=1&tbnid=Ur-
cGCiAr1xIeM:&tbnh=73&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmicroencapsulation%26hl%
3Den%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1
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-
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d98JruOs4/Sk3WcV8Am2I/AAAAAAAAAJo/l2HlArZiWMw/clip_image006%255B3%255D
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fibre-
analysis.html&usg=__Cm2K9akH4t6DiSP3zs3v9UjENow=&h=719&w=577&sz=99&hl=en
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3Dantibacterial%2Bprotective%2Bclothing%26hl%3Den%26um%3D1
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7e-1a4d-4d62-b743-
80635784e9f5..jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.karmat.com/document.aspx%3FdocumentID%3
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apsulation%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1,

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 10) http://texmail.ca/002/files/000MNu00ItFU0mF4XF0x/Anti-microbial_treatment.pdf,
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IFAI_4A9.pdf
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enhancedperformance/ind-pac-eff-enh-antimicrobals.htm
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obal+protection+finish+for+clothing&source=bl&ots=mVkpVrV6vw&sig=TQB_tfYK3KuOa
oDU5vRHQjMsFAU&hl=en&ei=Md-
mSsukH5Ke6gOvvYmkBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=2#v=onepage&q=&
f=false
18) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antimicrobial,
19) http://www.fr-tex.com/p_inc/news_detail.asp?d_id=493&ty=en&typename=Industry,
20) http://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/18/1709/rejuvenate-yourself-with-odor-
preventing-apparels1.asp
21) http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6780799.html,
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apsules+technologies+for+antimicrobial+finish&source=bl&ots=YFn8BUc_aK&sig=T1JHll
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sult&ct=result&resnum=8#v=onepage&q=&f=false,
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7e-1a4d-4d62-b743-
80635784e9f5..jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.karmat.com/document.aspx%3FdocumentID%3
D8&usg=__oAJU95fTMVevNEM8k8ElYhQLnUY=&h=275&w=383&sz=27&hl=en&start=3
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apsulation%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DX%26um%3D,
26) http://images.google.co.in/imgres?imgurl=http://www.gate2tech.com/IMG/jpg/Application_
on_microencapsulation-
2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.gate2tech.com/article.php3%3Fid_article%3D14&usg=___cZf
R0j4x_hDknzYHekucaSS6Kc=&h=252&w=440&sz=85&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=Ur-
cGCiAr1xIeM:&tbnh=73&tbnw=127&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dmicroencapsulation%26hl%
3Den%26sa%3DX%26um%3D1

About the Author

The author is Dy. Manager (TQM) at Shri Lakshmi Cotsyn Limited, UPSIDC Industrial Area,
Malwan, Dist. Fatehpur, U.P.

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