Antibacterial textiles have become increasingly popular as customers recognize the importance of maintaining good hygiene. People are now more aware of the necessity of having antibacterial and antimicrobial textiles to lead a healthy lifestyle.
Silver is one of the most commonly used materials for producing antimicrobial textiles due to its relatively low cost. Silver ions and nanoparticles are effective in fighting bacteria due to their dual mechanism. Firstly, they can diffuse through the cell membrane and bind to the enzyme within the cell, leading to a decrease in enzymatic activity that inhibits the growth of the cell until it dies. Secondly, they can kill bacteria by binding to intracellular proteins, rendering them inactive and inhibiting ATP synthesis, which ultimately leads to DNA denaturation.
Other materials that can be used for antibacterial finishes include copper, zinc, and chitosan. Copper is a natural antimicrobial that can destroy bacteria and viruses on contact, making it an effective option for textiles. Zinc has been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Chitosan is a biopolymer that has been shown to have antimicrobial properties and is derived from chitin, which is found in the shells of crustaceans.
Developing antibacterial finishes for textiles and footwear is a complex process that requires expertise in material selection, production processes, and ensuring the effectiveness of the antibacterial finishes while maintaining the desired textile properties such as comfort, durability, and aesthetics. Some of the challenges that our multi-disciplinary team faces include developing eco-friendly and sustainable antibacterial finishes, achieving consistent performance across different production batches, and ensuring that the finishes are safe for human use.
Overall, the demand for antibacterial textiles and footwear is growing rapidly, and there is a need for innovative solutions to meet the needs of customers while addressing the challenges faced by the industry