Efficiency of Medical Workers’ Uniforms with Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

Antimicrobial finishing of textiles protects users from pathogenic microorganisms, which can cause medical and hygienic problem. The use of such textiles particularly increases in healthcare facilities, where reduction and transmission of pathogenic bacteria are important factors for preventing nosocomial infections. In the present study, the efficiency of fabric with silane quaternary ammonium compounds (Si-QAC) applied as active agents was evaluated. A test was performed according to ATCC 100-1999 Test Method after 0-, 24-and 48-hour incubation times. The treated textiles were effective against Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae, but were not effective for Gramnegative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Testing was also performed in hospital environment at infectious department where working clothes made of treated fabric were compared to normal working clothes. Antimicrobial textiles were not effective in a hospital environment, where average microbial count on medical workers' uniforms without antimicrobial protection was 1.4 × 10 9 cfu/mL, and 1.3 × 10 9 cfu/mL for uniforms made of antimicrobial material. Our conclusion is that quantities of application rates for Si-QAC should be higher or should be improved with applying another antimicrobial coating to obtain complex with dual activity.

Superhydrophobic, Superoleophobic and Antimicrobial Coatings for the Protection of Silk Textiles

“…However, a careful comparison of the SEM images in Figure 1a (Siloxane) and 1b (Siloxane+AM) can support a slight increase in surface roughness induced by the presence of the AM product. According to the literature, the quaternary ammonium salt is covalently bound to the silk fibers [68,69]. Although the exact antimicrobial mechanism has not been fully elucidated, it is mainly attributed to a mechanical disruption of the microorganisms' cell membrane, which should lead to increased surface roughness [70][71][72].…”

Influence of nanotechnology in polymeric textiles, applications, and fight against COVID-19

“…An antimicrobial agent known as dimethyltetradecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride consisting of a silane entity, containing positively charged ammonium entity and elongated non-polar chain network has been inculcated in a material (Figure 8A) (Rozman et al, 2017). The antimicrobial entity is inculcated using the Foulard procedure.…”

“…The antimicrobial entity is inculcated using the Foulard procedure. Amidst the clamp frame, the fiber is bonded to the silane group via heat and condensation while the Quality assurance and control (QAC) agents undergo covalent bonding with the fiber (Figure 8B) (Rozman et al, 2017). Thus, a permanent link with neighboring entities is formed while the active agent uniformly engulfs the fiber.…”

“…Conducting polymers (CPs) are utilized in creation of textiles capable of incorporating sensor and actuating devices (Junger et al, 2018). (Rozman et al, 2017). CPs are capable of varying their resistivity in production of electrical signaling while responding to external stimulation (Rozman et al, 2017).…”

Synthesis of 4-arylazo-2-(N-pyrazolylcarboxamido)thiophene disperse dyes for dyeing of polyester and their antibacterial evaluation

“…In addition, the chemically bound antimicrobials are bound to the surface of the textile fibers and act as a barrier for the microorganisms with which they come into contact (principle of biobarrier formation). 36 The dyed polyester fabrics were screened for their antibacterial effectiveness towards two different bacterial stains after 1, 3, 5 and 10 washes. After the first wash, the percentage reduction of bacterial colonies was from 88% to 66% for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively.…”