**1. Introduction**

386 Antimicrobial Agents

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> With the growing public health awareness of the pathogenic effects, malodors and stain formations caused by microorganisms, there is an increasing need for antibacterial materials in many application areas like medical devices, health care, hygienic application, water purification systems, hospital, dental surgery equipment, textiles, food packaging, and storage.(Shahidi et al, 2007)

> The spread of HIV and hepatitis viruses by contact of contaminated materials has created increased pressure for protection of personnel with functional clothing; also, all articles of apparel and home textiles are susceptible to problems of hygiene in normal daily use, for example, socks, sport wear and working clothes as well as mattresses, floor coverings, and shoe linings. Textiles for outdoor use are constantly exposed to the influence of microbes and bacteria. Application of natural antimicrobial agents on textiles dates back to antiquity, when the ancient Egyptians used spices and herbs to preserve mummy warps. Textile goods, especially those made from natural fibers, provide an excellent environment for microorganisms to grow, because of their large surface area and ability to retain moisture. Most textile materials currently used in hospitals and hotels are conductive to cross infection or transmission of diseases caused by microorganisms. Practically every class of chemical compound has been utilized to impart antibacterial activity to textiles. Two different aspects of antimicrobial protection provided by chemical finishes can be distinguished. The first is the protection of the textile user against pathogenic or odour causing microorganisms (hygiene finishes). The second aspect is the protection of the textile itself from damage caused by mould, mildew or rot producing microorganisms. Bacteria are not as damaging to fibres, but can produce some fibre damage, unpleasant odours and a slick, slimy feel. Often, fungi and bacteria are both present on the fabric in a symbiotic relationship. (Heywood, 2003; Bellini, 2001)

> Substances added to fibres, such as lubricants, antistatics, natural-based auxiliaries (for example size, thickener and hand modifiers) and dirt provide a food source for

<sup>\*</sup> Corresponding Author

Antibacterial Agents in Textile Industry 389

forms of textile rotting. Here it is focused on some of important antibacterial agents that are

There are numerous antimicrobials suitable for immobilization on polymer surfaces. Quaternary ammonium compounds seem attractive because their target is primarily the microbial membrane and they accumulate in the cell driven by the membrane potential. To maximize efficiency, quaternary ammonium compound is used as monomeric link in the polymeric leash and poly(4- vinylpyridine) (PVP) is usually selected as the carrying polymer. Tiller et al. showed that the surfaces of commercial polymers treated with *N*alkylated PVP groups were lethal on contact to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and it was also shown that *N*-alkyl chain of six carbon units in length was the most effective. In recent years, trialkyl ammonium chlorides have been reported to possess

Kumar et al showed that mutual radiation grafting of vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (VBT ) onto cotton cellulose is an effective method to incorporate anti-bacterial property onto the cotton cellulose matrix.(Kumar et al, 2005) Shao et al showed that, a novel quaternary ammonium salt, which contains both perfluoroalkyl group and diallyl groups, should be suitable a finishing agent for providing the fabrics with barriers against microorganisms, water, oil, soil and blood. Moreover, the introduction of diallyl groups into the quaternary ammonium salt not only can enhance the antimicrobial activity, but also extend its application fields. It can be applied in two categories of antimicrobial finishes: one category is part of the fiber-forming process and the other category is the one incorporated in the finishing process. It can also be used as a perfluoroalkyl-containing monomer in the polymer field, which is a convenient method incorporating perfluoroalkyl chain in the

Triclosan (2,4,4-hydrophenyl trichloro (II) ether), a member of the antiseptic and disinfectant family. Triclosan is a halogen containing derivative of phenol, and is used in cosmetics and toothpastes. It has a wide range of action against gram-negative and gram positive bacteria. This compound, thanks to the presence of the acaricide benzyl benzoate, also offers protection against mites and is used in acaricide (spray or powder) formulas, as well as in a solution (25% concentration) for the treatment of scabies. This compound is non toxic.

Due to its antibacterial properties, triclosan has found widespread use in a variety of consumer products including toothpastes, deodorants, soaps, polymers and fibers. (Allmyr

Numerous chemicals have been used to improve the antimicrobial activity of cotton textiles. Many heavy metals are toxic to microbes at very low concentrations either in the free state or in compounds. They kill microbes by binding to intracellular proteins and inactivating

Benzyl benzoate is an acaricide that acts, chemically, directly on the mites.

germicidal effect in dilute aqueous solutions. (Yao et al, ,2008)

used in textile finishing.

**3.1 Quaternary ammonium** 

polymer. (Shao et al, 2003)

**3.2 Triclosan** 

et al, 2006)

**3.3 Metallic salts** 

microorganisms. Synthetic fibres are not totally immune to microorganisms, for example polyurethane fibres and coatings can be damaged. Of course, because of evolution, natural fibres are more easily attacked. Wool is more likely to suffer bacterial attack than cotton, and cotton is more likely than wool to be attacked by fungi.
