Plasma and Antimicrobial Treatment of Nonwoven Fabrics for Surgical Gowns

Abstract

Plasma treatments are gaining popularity in the textile industry due to their numerous advantages over conventional wet processing techniques. In this study, the nonwoven fabric Sontara®, commonly used for surgical gowns, is treated with antimicrobial finishes and a plasma containing fluorocarbon gas. Treated samples are evaluated for changes in physical and functional characteristics. The plasma treatment does not alter the weight, thickness, stiffness, air permeability, and breaking strength and elongation. Plasma-treated and water-repellent Sontara samples show higher blood and water resistance compared to other treatments. Plasma-treated samples also show a zone of inhibition for Staphylococcus aureus, thus providing a barrier against microbes. There is no zone of inhibition for the water repellent Sontara, untreated, and wet control samples. This implies that the nonwoven fabric treated with plasma can provide a better barrier against microbes than commonly available surgical gown fabric with a fluorocarbon finish.

Recent Developments in Finishing of Synthetic Fibers for Medical Applications

“…Plasma-treated and water-repellent fabric samples show higher blood and water resistance compared to other treatments. Plasma-treated samples also show a zone of inhibition for S. aureus, thus providing a barrier against microbes [56].…”

Regenerable Antibacterial Cotton Fabric by Plasma Treatment with Dimethylhydantoin: Antibacterial Activity against S. aureus

“…This reduces the environmental effects of textile production. The main advantage of plasma treatment is that it just changes the surface properties without affecting the bulk properties of substrates [21,22].…”

Durability of fluoropolymer and antibacterial finishes on woven surgical gown fabrics

“…Using these classification levels, manufacturers are able to label their products according to the level of protection provided and healthcare workers are able to identify the level of protection that the product provides, so they may choose the appropriate barrier needed for their procedure. A wide range of disposable (single-use), reusables and reinforced surgical gowns are available (Behera and Arora 2009;Garibaldi et al 1986;Lankester et al 2002;Laufman et al 1975;Leonas and Jinkins 1997;Leonas 1998;Olderman 1984;Pamuk et al 2009;Parthasarathi and Thilagavathi 2011;Rutala and Weber 2001;Smith and Nichols 1991;Virk et al 2004). Disposable surgical gowns offer several advantages over reusables, but they are expensive and pose a risk of contamination outside of the hospital setting.…”