Modified Techniques to Detect Antibacterial Activity of Bamboo and Natural Bamboo Fiber

Abstract

Textiles that exhibit antibacterial properties are of great importance for health, sanitation, and consumer demands. Fibers that have antibacterial properties have been the target of developmental research, especially if it is a characteristic property of a natural fiber (Budama et al. 2013; Boothroyd and McCarthy 2011; Rocky and Thompson 2018; Comlekcioglu et al. 2017; Gokarneshan, Nagarajan, and Viswanath 2017; Simoncic and Tomsic 2010; Tanaka et al. 2011). Bamboo, which can be a source of fiber, has innate antibacterial properties (Rocky and Thompson 2019; Singh et al. 2010; Tanaka et al. 2011; Keski-Saari et al. 2008). However, production of bamboo fibers with natural antibacterial property has not been achieved at an industrial level. This leaves the market open to bamboo viscose which has at times been claimed to be antibacterial. Standard test methods established by ISO, ASTM and AATCC to assess antibacterial activity on textiles are not able to test specimens in various forms, such as fibers, powders, or yarns. The current methods rely on a zone of inhibition, which is less precise as it is hard to measure irregular inhibition zones, and cell recovery assessment after cell suspension with the specimen. These methods are also typically qualitative or only partially quantitative. Existing test methods may also lead to misunderstanding among manufacturers, retailers and consumers because of inconsistent grading and labelling of products (Boothroyd and McCarthy 2011; Williams et al. 2006). This study focuses on modifying suitable antibacterial test methods to provide more quantitative results. The modified methods were applied to specimens from four bamboo species, extracted natural bamboo fibers (NBFs) from the four species, commercial bamboo viscose, and three other conventional fibers.