Anti-bacterial fabric is a specialized textile designed to inhibit or eliminate harmful microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi) through chemical, physical, or biological mechanisms. It prevents bacterial growth, reduces odors, and enhances hygiene, making it ideal for medical, sportswear, and daily-use applications
Chemical Agents: Silver ions (Ag⁺), chitosan, and quaternary ammonium salts disrupt bacterial cell walls or interfere with metabolic processes. For example, silver ions embedded in fibers release over time, achieving >99% bacterial reduction.
Physical Barriers: Superhydrophobic surfaces (inspired by lotus leaves) prevent bacterial adhesion by trapping air layers, while graphene’s sharp edges rupture microbial membranes.
Natural Compounds: Bamboo fibers contain "bamboo kun," a bioactive agent that inhibits bacterial growth by 70–99%.
Built-in Antimicrobial Fibers: Silver ions or triclosan are integrated during fiber synthesis (e.g., synthetic polymers like polyester), ensuring long-lasting efficacy (>50 washes).
Post-Treatment Finishing: Fabrics are coated with antimicrobial agents (e.g., chitosan, violacein) via dipping or spraying. However, this method may lose effectiveness after repeated washing.
Antibacterial efficacy is tested under AATCC 100(U.S.) and ISO 20743 (international) standards, requiring ≥99.9% bacterial reduction or a log value ≥2.2.
For example, SCJ-963-treated fabrics retain >99.95% antibacterial activity after 100 washes.
Healthcare: Surgical gowns, masks, and wound dressings (e.g., MRSA-resistant violacein-dyed cotton).
Sportswear: Odor-resistant socks and moisture-wicking activewear.
Consumer Goods: Antimicrobial bedding, towels, and air filters
Mechanism: Fabrics are coated with antibacterial agents (e.g., silver ions, quaternary ammonium salts, or chitosan) via dipping, spraying, or padding. These agents disrupt bacterial cell walls or metabolic processes.
Example: Chitosan, derived from crustacean shells, binds to bacteria’s negatively charged surfaces, causing lysis.
Durability: Post-finished fabrics may lose efficacy after 10–20 washes if exposed to anionic detergents.
Spinning Integration: Antibacterial additives (e.g., nano-silver, copper oxides, or triclosan) are embedded into synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon) during production.
Example: Modal marine cotton infused with crustacean-derived compounds achieves permanent antibacterial properties.
Advantage: Retains >99% efficacy even after 50+ washes.
Inherent Properties: Fibers like bamboo, hemp, and mint contain bioactive compounds (e.g., bamboo kun, mint terpenes) that naturally inhibit bacteria.
Example: Mint fiber achieves a 99% antibacterial rate and releases cooling, fragrant compounds.
Limitation: Less durable than synthetic options; efficacy diminishes after repeated washing.
Nanostructured Surfaces: Graphene or MXene (Ti₃C₂Tₓ) disrupt bacterial membranes via sharp edges or electrical conductivity.
Photocatalytic Materials: TiO₂-coated fabrics generate free radicals under light to degrade pathogens.
Hybrid Fabrication: Combines fiber modification and post-treatment. For example, copper-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are integrated with graphene oxide to enhance stability and dispersion on cotton.
Result: Sustained copper ion release ensures long-term antibacterial action.
