Development of Textiles with Antimicrobial Properties

The use of textile materials to impart biocidal or other health-related function is an age-old idea, dating back to the application of ointments and compresses to wounds. In all areas of life, military and civilian, protection from pathogens is a growingconcern, and textiles with antimicrobial properties are desired. One would like to have a material that can be resistant to airborne pathogens. This Phase I proposal will demonstrate the feasibility of attaching known biocides to commercially availabletextile samples, and testing these functionalized textiles for biocidal activity. Previous work has provided a variety of compounds that exhibit biological resistance to different strains of bacteria. Our efforts will center on modifying the surface ofthe textile fiber and covalently attaching the biocidal agents. The proposed research will yield valuable information relevant to (i)selecting the appropriate biocide, (ii) covalent attachment to the textile, and (iii) evaluating the efficacy of thebiocidal textile. A tremendous number of commercial textile products would benefit from this technology, with medical products and protective clothing in the lead. Protective clothing, medical products, selected apparel items (like socks), air filters, carpets and other home furnishings.