It is said that an average man spends about one third of his life on the bed, making him that much more vulnerable to diseases caused by various microorganisms in bed. Textile manufacturers around the world have been coming out with different materials, which prevents microorganisms from getting on to your system through the supine route! One such invention is the `Antimicrobial yarn’, which kills the microorganism when it comes in contact with the `Antimicrobial textile'.

Many varieties of antimicrobial yarns or textiles are available in the world market. Generally antimicrobial textiles are made from acrylic fibre yarns, which are treated with antimicrobials during the yarn/fibre stage. Many other manufacturers treat the finished textiles with chemicals. But the former method is more effective.

Antimicrobial treatment can be applied to textiles to prohibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, and yeast and other germs that cause odours and diseases. It also reduces contamination, infection spreading and will not wash out easily. Different kinds of antimicrobials, which have been allowed to be used in textiles by the Environmental Protection Agency, are generally used.

Antimicrobial textiles are largely used in manufacturing of:

• Mattress fabrics
• Pillows
• Hospital gowns and sheets
• Dental floss
• Insect-repellent fabrics
• Hunting and fishing apparel
• Bandages
• Diapers
• Socks
• Home textiles
• Industrial textiles and technical application
• Sweaters
• Garments
• Sleeping bags

• Growth of bacteria, fungi, mildew and yeast on the fibre are inhibited
• Provide effective antibacterial and antifungal properties
• Resist product deterioration and discoloration caused by bacteria and fungi
• Prevent the actual causes of the odours
• Antimicrobial properties do not wash out during laundering

Though India is one of the world’s largest producers of textile, not many of these manufacturers have ventured into the production of these textiles. Bombay Dyeing, one of the largest producers of towels and bed sheets in India, and S Kumars, a major garment manufacturing company have imported this textile into India for manufacturing of towels.

However, there are a few companies which do produce antimicrobial textiles in India. M P Rao, Managing Director, High Crest Chemicals, Bangalore, who supply antimicrobials to textile majors like Madura garments, say that the awareness about the positive aspects of this textile is increasing and many companies are into the manufacturing of this segment.

Ordinary textiles can be converted into antimicrobial textiles using the existing manufacturing processes without additional equipment and with minimal production disturbance, Rao says. Nowadays, consumers are becoming more health and hygiene-conscious. "The market for antimicrobial textiles in India is increasing and people are also aware of the benifits of this material," he said.

According to a study conducted in developed countries, 61 per cent of the women make effort to buy anti-bacterial or anti-microbial products, which is an indication that the there is a large amount of awareness among public and that the demand for this textile will increase multifold in the future. Worldwide there is a growing awareness about diseases transmitted though the microorganisms in the bed, which is mainly due to contamination from bacterial, fungi and growth in interior textiles.

By using anti-microbial textiles, the micro-organisms reaching the fabric surface are killed. These antimicrobials function like swords on microbes when they come in the contact of surface of treated fabric, physically rupturing micro-organisms.