Microbiological and Chemical Analysis of Bamboo Textile Materials and Leathers Modified with Bamboo Extract at the Tanning Stage

Abstract

In this paper, microbiological and chemical analysis were carried out in the case of bamboo textile materials and leathers modified by bamboo extract at the tanning stage. Microbiological resistance was examined for some fungi, i.e.: Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans and some bacteria strains: Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In parallel, a safety analysis was conducted through the determination of heavy metals, certain aromatic amines and dimethyl fumarate. The main goal of the above-mentioned research was a comprehensive examination of materials which will be used as footwear components i.e.: linings, uppers and insoles. These issues are very important from the footwear manufacture point of view because of the opportunity to find new solutions in the field of hygienic and healthy materials which can be applied as footwear elements. The anti-microbial and anti-fungal resistance of materials are features important for the reduction of the probability of dermatosis. For this reason, they should be taken into account when the improvement of hygienic properties is pursued.