Journal of Research and Development
Open Access

Textile Hygiene and Antimicrobial Engineering for Efficient Cellulosic Fiber Development and Protection

Ojo Agunbiade^{* *}Correspondence: Ojo Agunbiade, Department of Polymer and Textile Engineering, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria, Email:

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About the Study

The textile industry is one of the largest sectors, contributing significantly to the economy. However, it faces challenges in maintaining hygiene and sustainability, especially when working with natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and other cellulosic fibers. These fibers are biodegradable, eco-friendly and breathable but are also vulnerable to microbial degradation and contamination. This has led to the increasing demand for textile hygiene and antimicrobial engineering technologies to protect cellulosic fibers, ensuring durability, safety and performance in various applications.

Understanding cellulosic fibers

Cellulosic fibers are derived from plants, with cotton being the most prominent among them. Other cellulosic fibers include linen (from flax), jute and bamboo. The primary component of these fibers is cellulose, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength to plants. Cellulosic fibers are known for their softness, absorbency and biodegradability, making them popular for apparel, home textiles, medical textiles and other industrial applications.

Importance of textile hygiene

Hygiene in textiles is important for multiple reasons. In personal wear, especially, sportswear and healthcare textiles, microbial growth can lead to skin infections, irritation and other health issues. In environments such as hospitals, microbial contamination of fabrics can result in the transmission of infections.

Antimicrobial engineering in textiles

It is the process of integrating antimicrobial agents into textiles to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. In the context of cellulosic fibers, antimicrobial engineering is necessary to prevent the adverse effects of microbial growth, especially in moisture-laden environments.

There are several antimicrobial agents used in textile treatments:

Silver nanoparticles: Silver has been used for centuries for its antimicrobial properties. In textile applications, silver nanoparticles are embedded into the fibers, where they release silver ions that inhibit microbial growth. Silver nanoparticles are effective against a broad spectrum of bacteria and fungi and have gained popularity in medical and sports textiles.

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs): They are commonly used in antimicrobial finishes for textiles. They work by disrupting the cell membrane of microorganisms, leading to their death. QACs are durable and can remain effective even after multiple wash cycles.

Chitosan: Derived from chitin, which is found in the shells of crustaceans, chitosan is a biodegradable polymer with antimicrobial properties. It is especially effective in inhibiting bacterial growth and is often used in eco-friendly and sustainable textile treatments.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles: It is another widely used antimicrobial agent in textiles. It has broad-spectrum activity against bacteria and fungi and is often used in coatings for medical textiles, as well as in clothing that requires high hygiene standards.

Copper compounds: Copper has natural antimicrobial properties and has been used in various applications, including textiles. Copper-infused fabrics can prevent the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses, making them ideal for use in environments with a high risk of infection.

Methods of antimicrobial treatment

There are several ways to apply antimicrobial agents to cellulosic fibers, depending on the desired performance and application of the fabric. The methods include:

Surface coating: In this method, antimicrobial agents are applied to the surface of the fabric after it has been woven or knitted. While this method is simple, it may not provide long-lasting protection as the antimicrobial finish can wear off after multiple washes.

Fiber integration: Antimicrobial agents are incorporated directly into the fiber during the manufacturing process. This ensures that the antimicrobial properties are embedded into the structure of the fiber itself, providing long-term protection against microbial growth.

Chemical bonding: In this method, antimicrobial agents are chemically bonded to the surface of the fabric using binders or cross-linking agents. This method provides better durability than surface coating but may involve more complex processing.

Challenges in antimicrobial engineering for cellulosic fibers

While antimicrobial engineering offers numerous benefits, there are challenges associated with its implementation in cellulosic fibers.

Durability: Ensuring that the antimicrobial finish remains effective after repeated use and washing is a challenge. Many antimicrobial agents tend to wear off over time, reducing their efficacy.

Safety: The safety of antimicrobial agents is a concern, especially when they are used in textiles that come in direct contact with the skin. Some antimicrobial agents, such as silver nanoparticles, have raised concerns about potential toxicity and environmental impact.

Cost: The cost of antimicrobial treatments can be high, especially for advanced technologies such as nanoparticle-based finishes. This can make it challenging for manufacturers to offer antimicrobial textiles at competitive prices.

Textile hygiene and antimicrobial engineering are important for the development and protection of cellulosic fibers. As these natural fibers become more prominent due to their sustainability and biodegradability, managing their vulnerability to microbial contamination becomes necessary. Antimicrobial technologies, whether synthetic or natural, offer valuable solutions for improving the durability, safety, and performance of cellulosic textiles.