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Analysis of biofilm and bacterial communities in the towel environment with daily use
Haruro Kato1, Nagisa Okino2, Hiroki Kijitori2
1Safety Science Research Laboratories, Kao Corporation, 2606 Ichikai, Haga, Tochigi, 321-3497, Japan.
Abstract:
Towels differ remarkably from other textile products in their fibre structure and usage, and microbial behaviours on towels remain underexplored. Thus, we evaluated biofilm formation on towels during use for 6 months in daily life and analysed its relationship with odour, dullness, and laundry habits. The towels exhibited odour and dullness after 2 months of use and biofilm structures were observed over the 6 months, especially in the ground warp part. Polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, and viable counts on the towels increased over time. The microbiota was significantly different from that on human skin and clothing. Several species of Alphaproteobacteria were correlated with dullness intensity and the quantity of biofilm components. Therefore, bacterial species that specifically adapt to the towel fibre environment could form biofilms. Our results demonstrate bacterial diversity in textile products and suggest careful consideration of the textile fibre material, structure, and usage pattern to control bacterial communities.
Insights
Microbial biofilms form on towels within months, causing odor and dullness. Specific bacteria, like Alphaproteobacteria, thrive in towel fibers, highlighting the need to consider material and usage for controlling microbial communities.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Textile Science
Background:
- Microbial behavior on towels is underexplored due to unique fiber structures and usage patterns.
- Understanding towel microbiota is crucial for hygiene and product longevity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate biofilm formation on towels during 6 months of daily use.
- To analyze the relationship between biofilm, odor, dullness, and laundry habits.
- To characterize the microbial communities colonizing towels.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of towels over 6 months in daily life.
- Analysis of biofilm formation, including polysaccharide, protein, and nucleic acid content.
- Microbial community profiling and comparison with skin and clothing microbiota.
- Correlation analysis between microbial species, biofilm components, and physical towel degradation (odor, dullness).
Main Results:
- Towels developed odor and dullness within 2 months.
- Biofilm structures were consistently observed, particularly in the ground warp.
- Microbial load (polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, viable counts) increased over time.
- Towel microbiota significantly differed from skin and clothing microbiomes.
- Alphaproteobacteria species correlated with dullness and biofilm quantity, suggesting adaptation to towel fibers.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial species can specifically adapt to towel fiber environments to form biofilms.
- Microbial diversity exists within textile products like towels.
- Textile material, structure, and usage patterns are critical factors for managing bacterial communities on towels.
