Garments worn next to skin rapidly develop bacteria due to sweat and it creates malodor on clothing when the wearer stays for a longer time under harsh conditions.
Fibre2fashion had earlier reported that Indian Institute of Technology - New Delhi (IIT-Delhi) has developed a technology based on pure silver nanoparticles that could control malodors on textiles and keeps the wearer fresh for a long time.
Speaking to fibre2fashion, Prof. Ashwini K. Agrawal - the lead researcher, said, “The technology used to develop fabric to ease smelly discomforts is based on pure silver nanoparticles that do not allow smelly bacteria to grow on fabric as one perspires and the wearer can use a fabric for a longer time under harsh conditions.”
“The innovativeness lies in stabilizing the silver nanoparticles so that smelly bacteria remain suspended for a very long time in an aqueous dispersion,” he explains.
According to him, the nanoparticles are effective at a very low concentration, able to attach well to a fabric without leaching out and it does not impart undesirable color to fabrics. “Therefore, the silver-based antimicrobial technology is safe for the user and environment,” he informs.
“The antimicrobial technology used in textiles can keep the treated surface clean, safe and hygienic as it kills bacteria which are in contact with the fabric,” he mentions.
Explaining further, he says, “Silver is known to be effective. However, none of the commercially available products are able to combine the properties of silver-based antimicrobial properties to be successfully used in apparel.”
“For textile mills and apparel manufacturers, it is extremely cost-efficient and world-class proposition. It is non-interfering, compatible with commonly used textile finishing solutions and does not require extra machinery or special application conditions,” he concludes.
Several global brands including Marks & Spencors, Raymond, Louis Philippe, George shirts (Bharti Walmart), Urbana, Dim, UTC Towels and Amante, have already used anti-microbial technology in their clothing products.