Journal of Textile Science & Engineering

Alginates Purpose in Textile Antimicrobial Finishing

Abstract

Maxwell Easte*

Alginate, a natural polysaccharide derived from seaweed, plays a pivotal role in the antibacterial finishing of textiles, marking a significant advancement in the realm of functional textile treatments. This biopolymer possesses unique properties that make it an ideal candidate for incorporating antibacterial functionalities into textiles. One of the primary functions of alginate in antibacterial finishing is its ability to serve as a carrier for antimicrobial agents. Alginate can form stable complexes with a variety of antibacterial compounds, including metal nanoparticles and organic antimicrobial agents. This encapsulation not only protects the active agents from premature release but also facilitates their controlled and sustained release onto the textile surface. This controlled release mechanism ensures prolonged antibacterial efficacy, enhancing the durability of the treated textiles. The interaction between alginate and the textile substrate is another crucial aspect of its role in antibacterial finishing. Alginate has excellent film-forming properties, allowing it to adhere to diverse textile surfaces effectively. This film formation creates a protective layer on the textile, preventing the leaching of antimicrobial agents and ensuring their retention on the fabric. Moreover, alginate-based finishes exhibit good compatibility with various textile materials, making it a versatile choice for imparting antibacterial properties to textiles without compromising their inherent characteristics.