[Textiles with antifungal and antibacterial properties]

SeaCell and SeaCell active fibers can be produced on the basis of the ZIMMER Lyocell process. One particularity of the SeaCell fiber is its capacity to bind and absorb substances. During the activation of SeaCell fibers the bactericidal metal silver is absorbed by the fully formed cellulosic fiber through metalsorption. The present study demonstrates the antifungal and antibacterial effect of SeaCell active in an in vitro test system against Candida albicans (DSM 11225), Candida tropicalis (ATCC 1169) and Candida krusei (ATCC 6258). Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of fibers with different amounts of SeaCell active fibers in a dose-dependent manner against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 22923) and Escherichia coli (ATCC 35218) could be demonstrated. If this fiber seems to be suited for bio-active textiles in specific anatomical body regions and skin conditions with a susceptibility for fungal and bacterial infections namely with Candida species, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli must be examined by means of further investigations, especially in vivo tests in human considering allergic and toxic effects of the fiber.