[nanoPost] Anti-microbial treatments for cellulosic and synthetic fibres with silver

Cellulose and cotton fibres with anti-microbial properties are suitable for many different applications ranging from medical (such as surgical tools, wound healing etc), thanks to their excellent moisture absorbency, water absorbency, and flexibility, to standard applications such as socks. Synthetic fibres are more suitable for automotive tapestry and in the air filtration. 

Competing products such as X-Static®, a synthetic fibre with similar properties, could be obtained with this new proposed technology to lower costs.  Treated substrate exhibits a long kill rate for Escherichia coli JM101 AMERSHAM. Anti-microbial test was conducted to demonstrate the antgi-bacterial properties of the fibres developed by University in comparison with X- Static® anti-bacterial fibres that are currently on the market.

The same test was conducted on a sample of spun cotton previously impregnated with kanamicina anti-biotic, and on a sample of 100% spun cotton for control purpose.  Test dish was previously filled up with nutrient agar and was allowed enough time to solidify. A bacteria suspension was prepared with Escherichia coli and 1 ml of the bacterial suspension was added to each of the four test dishes. The plates were incubated for 24 h at 37°C and then analysed for the appearance of bacterial colonies. Zone of inhibition were determined by measuring the area (mm) of no bacterial growth around each sample. Currently they are collaborating with textile and automotive companies.