Antimicrobial finishes for Textiles

Abstract

Infestations by micro-organism instigate cross disease by pathogens and odor develops in fabric have direct contact with the skin. Moreover, discoloration, tints and loss of functional characteristics of textiles are consequence of microbial damage. Antibacterial finished textile is an important area for medical and hygienic applications and there is enormous need of non-toxic and eco-friendly antimicrobial agents. The synthetic biocides finishes extensively reported were polyhexamethylenebiguanide (PHMB), quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), metals (including metal oxides and salts), triclosan and n-halamines. Whereas, the natural based biocides (aromatic compounds, dyes, essential oil), chitosan and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) were mainly considered among plant-based extracts. This paper will cover briefly, review of the latest research work on antimicrobial finishing, types of finish agents and various current developments in antimicrobial finishing to minimize the risks associated with application of organic, inorganic and plant based antimicrobial finishes.