Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2026

07:47
An Antimicrobial Fabric Using Nano-Herbal Encapsulation of Essential Oils
Published on: April 7, 2023
[Textiles with antifungal and antibacterial properties]
1Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Klinik für Dermatologie und Dermatologische Allergologie. christina.hipler@med.uni-jena.de
Mycoses
|September 16, 2008
Summary
SeaCell active fibers show antifungal and antibacterial properties against common pathogens like Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli in vitro. Further human studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety for bioactive textiles.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Textile Engineering
Background:
- SeaCell fibers are produced using the ZIMMER Lyocell process.
- SeaCell fibers possess unique properties for binding and absorbing substances.
- Activation involves metalsorption of the bactericidal metal silver into the cellulosic fiber.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the antifungal and antibacterial effects of SeaCell active fibers.
- To assess the dose-dependent antibacterial activity against specific bacterial strains.
- To explore the potential of SeaCell active for bio-active textiles.
Main Methods:
- In vitro testing system.
- Antifungal assays against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusei.
- Antibacterial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with varying SeaCell active fiber concentrations.
Main Results:
- SeaCell active demonstrated significant antifungal activity against tested Candida species.
- Dose-dependent antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
- The study confirmed the antimicrobial efficacy of SeaCell active in an in vitro setting.
Conclusions:
- SeaCell active fibers exhibit promising antifungal and antibacterial properties.
- These fibers may be suitable for developing bio-active textiles for specific skin conditions.
- Further in vivo investigations are necessary to assess human safety, including allergic and toxic effects.
Related Concept Videos
Antifungal Agents
Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Surface Membrane Barriers
The skin and mucous membranes serve as the primary line of defense against pathogens by providing both physical and chemical protection. These barriers are essential in preventing the entry and establishment of microbes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the host.
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Antimicrobial Proteins
Antimicrobial proteins are important components of the immune system. They aid the body in combating pathogens by either killing them directly or hindering their replication processes. Four main types of antimicrobial substances are interferons, the complement system, iron-binding proteins, and antimicrobial proteins.
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Interferons
Interferons (IFNs) are proteins produced by lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts infected with viruses. While IFNs cannot prevent viruses from entering and...
Hand hygiene
Asepsis is the practice of preventing or breaking the chain of infection. The nurse employs aseptic techniques to prevent the spread of microorganisms and reduce the risk of diseases. Hand hygiene is the cornerstone of aseptic techniques and is classified into medical and surgical asepsis. Medical asepsis includes hand hygiene and the use of gloves. Surgical asepsis, or the sterile technique, refers to practices that render and keep objects and areas free of microorganisms.
Hand washing...
Hand washing...
Antimicrobial Effectiveness
The effectiveness of antimicrobial agents depends on various factors influencing their ability to eliminate microbial populations. Larger microbial populations require more time for complete eradication, emphasizing the importance of population size analysis when evaluating antimicrobial efficacy.Microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents varies significantly. Highly resilient microorganisms include endospores, gram-negative bacteria, and non-enveloped viruses, while prions are exceptionally...
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by opportunistic species of Candida. It can affect various anatomical sites, including the skin, oral cavity, nails, and genitourinary tract. Among its forms, vaginal candidiasis is the most common type of mucosal infection. It typically results from the overgrowth of Candida albicans in the vaginal mucosa. Under normal conditions, C. albicans exists as a commensal organism within the vaginal microbiota, regulated by the dominance of lactobacilli, which...

