engleski

Antimicrobial Protection of Cotton and Cotton/PES Fabrics Using Natural Zeolite and Antiseptics

Healthy and active lifestyle has led in recent years to the rapid development of antimicrobial treatment. Such antimicrobial materials provide lasting freshness and a sense of security and well-being of consumers. At first glance it seems easy to achieve antimicrobial properties, but the persistence of such treatment a bigger problem. Application of natural zeolite nanoparticles for antimicrobial protection has shown increased activity and synergism with some antimicrobial agents, e.g. azalide. On the other hand, azalides are not acceptable from dermatological or ethics view, because of resistance development. Therefore, this paper deals with the means for selecting antimicrobial treatment which provides optimum protection against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria and fungi. For this purpose, 100 % cotton and cotton/PES-Blend (55 % / 45 %) knitted fabric was treated with natural zeolite nanoparticles and antiseptic by exhaustion. Antimicrobial protection against Gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) organisms is determined according to EN ISO 20645:2004. Antifungal protection against the fungus (Candida albicans) was determined according to EN 14119:2003.

textile; zeolite; antiseptics; antimicrobial protection

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