While hardly a new concept, anti-microbial technology is now in the spotlight, as its application in textiles has implications for combating the COVID-19 pandemic, and possibly future outbreaks as well. But in a few generations, this tech may become integral to our entire way of life altogether.

 

What Are Antimicrobial Textiles?

 

As the name implies, antimicrobial textiles and fabrics are special materials intended to inhibit or destroy microbes. In case you were wondering “what is anti-microbial technology supposed to do?”, you might actually already be enjoying some of the benefits. Underwear and hosiery advertised as having “odor-control” properties have been around for a few years.   

But today, antimicrobial tech in clothing goes way beyond neutralizing odor-causing bacteria. Newer types of antimicrobial textiles can actually neutralize fungal spores, bacteria, and viruses that cause skin infections. Some can be turned into underwear that could be worn for months without washing, or even turned into more effective face masks, Unigloves, and other protective garments. Some textiles could even be made into germ-resistant curtains for preventing microbial cross-contamination in hospital wards, or for simply keeping your home free from mildew.

 

How Are Antimicrobial Fabrics Made?

 

A range of different technologies is used to create antimicrobial fabrics. Some technologies used to make these fabrics are much older than you might expect, as people have always tried to find ways to prevent the premature deterioration of textiles, most of which throughout history were made from natural fibers and are thus susceptible to rotting. 

The ancient Egyptians, for instance, treated linen used for wrapping mummies with a resin that inhibited the growth of mold and other microorganisms. Other civilizations over the years also developed their own ways of preserving natural textiles that gave them antimicrobial properties. 

However, these historical methods were not intended to destroy microorganisms, as these would have been unknown at the time. Rather, they were intended to help valuable, labor-intensive textiles last longer. By contrast, modern antimicrobial textiles are specifically designed to destroy or inhibit microbial growth. 

The microbe-killing power of today’s antimicrobial fabrics is not just incidental. Over the decades, researchers have developed various methods to create safe, wearable fabrics that not only provide anti-microbial benefits, but are safe, wearable, and economical as well. 

Some modern technologies employ the use of metals that are safe for humans, but deadly to a wide range of bacteria, fungal spores, and even viruses. These metals are spun or infused into the fabric, resulting in a washable material that destroys microbes on contact. 

Other technologies are more similar to historical methods, where fabrics are infused with some kind of substance to give it antimicrobial properties. The big difference is these new technologies are intended to protect us rather than the textile. Some types of antimicrobial textile tech in this vein include HeiQ Viroblock, a Swiss-developed technology that has shown promising results in tests against viruses similar to SARS-COV-2, the pathogen that causes the COVID-19 disease.. 

While they can be washed somewhat less often than regular fabrics, modern antimicrobial fabrics could still be washed several times without losing their effectiveness against microorganisms. This is in contrast with historical technologies where the antimicrobial properties disappear after just a few washes.

 

What Are the Applications of Antimicrobial Textiles?

 

Current generations of antimicrobial textiles are now showing plenty of promise in several areas:

 

Protective Equipment 

The most obvious benefit is in personal protective equipment (PPE). The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shortage of all kinds of PPE for medical emergencies, including single-use gloves and face masks, which are critical for medical personnel. Single-use protective gear is important for reducing the spread of airborne and respiration-borne microbes, but requires a high level of care to use, making them impractical for the general population. 

Reusable PPEs made from antimicrobial textiles, on the other hand, are far more forgiving for untrained users, which may greatly reduce incidences of cross-contamination across different surfaces. They can also potentially free up the supply of single-use PPEs for medical personnel.

 

Bedclothes  

Unwashed bedsheets and pillowcases are often teeming with mold spores, acne-causing bacteria, and other microbes. This is why it is often recommended to wash bedclothes at least 2 to 4 times a month.. This can be impractical for many people who have to just deal with acne, smelly sheets, or worse. Thankfully, you can now get antimicrobial bedsheets which promise to reduce the risk of these issues. These may soon see standard use in hospitals all over the world.

 

Non-Irritating, Odor-Resistant Undergarments 

Some types of undergarments made from antimicrobial textiles can be worn repeatedly for weeks without the need for washing unless they are soiled. They can destroy odor-causing bacteria, as well as bacteria and fungal spores that can cause serious irritation and secondary infections. 

 

Water Conservation

It’s conceivable that improved antimicrobial textiles will become critical for water conservation on long-duration space flights. Such developments may even have implications on water conservation here on Earth, as our reserves of clean freshwater continue to dwindle.

 

While antimicrobial fabrics have been around for a long time, recent developments in making them safer, more affordable, and sustainable have already started to show promise. Whether it’s containing the next pandemic or making the colonization of Mars possible, you can be sure that modern antimicrobial textiles will have a role to play.