For
several years, the biochemistry laboratory of the Lyon Institute of
Textiles and Chemistry (ITECH, "Institut textile et chimique
de Lyon") has been working to create functional textiles by fixing
bactericidal molecules to the fibers. ITECH biochemists have begun
a collaboration with UMR 5622 (CNRS-Université Lyon 1), which
specializes in the derivatization of polymers to produce columns for
molecular separations, and homogeneous recyclable catalysts. The potential
applications of this research include anti-perspirant sports clothing
and hospital linen. The techniques for grafting functional groups
onto textile fibbers are relatively well understood, but several structural
parameters must be optimized to reach a given objective. In particular,
the Organic Synthesis and Catalysis laboratory have successfully defined
the
chemical nature of the linker joining the bioactive molecule and
the fiber
the
length of the molecular spacer between the fibber and the active
molecule
the
rate and homogeneity of the graft
Tests on several fabrics including cotton, wool and certain synthetics
have given encouraging results. Permanent, wash-resistant bacteriostatic
and bactericidal activities have been obtained at relatively weak
graft rates, using standard textile industry techniques. It should
therefore be possible to scale-up the process to an industrial level.
Further development using industrial machinery is underway on the
ITECH site.
