Some Properties of Antimicrobial Coated Knitted Textile Material Evaluation

Abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of knitted fabric intended for medical purposes as well as the influence of antimicrobial treatment on the compression work, volume resistivity, water sorption. and water retention of the examined material. Polyamide/elastane plain jersey knitted fabric was treated with a polymer matrix of chitosan gel in which either gentamicin sulfate or autochthonous essential oil of Picea abies was incorporated as an active substance. The treated fabrics showed a wide range of antimicrobial activity on microorganisms ( Staphilococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella and Candida albicans ) and therefore may have various medical applications. However, antimicrobial treatment changed the mechanical and physical-hygienic properties of the knitted fabric. The antimicrobial coatings decreased the total, elastic and irreversible compression work, water sorption, and volume resistivity, and increased the water retention of the fabrics. Antimicrobial treatment with chitosan and gentamicin sulfate produced a knitted fabric with good antimicrobial properties. However, if good mechanical and physical-hygienic properties are required, antimicrobial treatment with chitosan and essential oil of Picea abies has the advantage over treatment with gentamicin sulfate.