Antibacterial textiles can be roughly divided into organic antibacterial textiles and inorganic antibacterial textiles according to the source of antibacterial active ingredients in products.
The antibacterial effect of organic antibacterial textiles comes from the antibacterial groups of organic molecules, such as quaternary ammonium salts and chitosan, which are bound to the surface of textiles. This kind of antibacterial technology uses chemical bonding, adhesive and other ways to attach high-efficiency antibacterial materials to textile silk thread, and uses exposed antibacterial groups to destroy the contacted microorganisms. It has the advantages of high efficiency, broad spectrum and durability, and is the development direction of antibacterial field. However, it is necessary to focus on the parameters such as bacteriostatic circle and washability report, and screen out the antibacterial technology that can meet the standard safely.
The antibacterial effect of inorganic antibacterial textiles comes from the strong oxidation of metal ions, such as silver ions, nano-silver, silver fibers, cuprammonia and cuprous oxide. Its principle is to dissolve active metal ions and destroy the cell structure, making it impossible to divide and reproduce. It is essentially a powerful and undifferentiated dissolution sterilization. Attention should be paid to the potential safety hazards behind its strong antibacterial activity. Inorganic antibacterial agents are easy to dissolve out because of their activity and dissolution sterilization principle, and the effect is difficult to last. At the same time, it will cause the cumulative effect of metal ions in the body and the ecological balance of microorganisms on the human surface. Many European and American countries have banned the application of metal ions in civil products, and the national standards have not clearly defined the bacteriostatic circle, dissolution and other indicators, so scientific judgment is needed when selecting, and higher requirements are required for safety indicators.
Underwear belongs to close-fitting clothes worn for a long time, and safe and gentle antibacterial technology should be chosen. At present, most of the slow-release antibacterial agents (slow-dissolving and bactericidal) are used in the market, that is, the above-mentioned inorganic antibacterial agents (such as heavy metals such as silver and copper). The principle that it mixes with bacteria to destroy the structure determines its high dissolution and non-discrimination. Contact with the skin after dissolution will kill the bacteria on the epidermis indiscriminately and destroy the balance of microorganisms on the epidermis, which is also the reason why the skin of people who are often cleaned is particularly rough. In the same situation, there are bans on gynecological cleansing and drip in Europe and America.
The "contact sterilization" antibacterial agent has great advantages in the use safety. The principle is that compounds with antibacterial function are strongly combined with textiles through chemical bonds or adhesives, and bacteria will be destroyed and killed when they contact antibacterial groups. Using the most advanced key and technology, this antibacterial agent can maintain a lasting antibacterial effect. Its advantage is that insolubility can only ensure the antibacterial cleanliness of the fabric, and it will not disturb the microecological balance of the skin and produce metal accumulation in the body. The stable combination can cope with various daily environments and maintain long-term insolubility in daily use.