Kills microbes!
Friendly on the Environment! (Click Here)
If our products reduce even 1 load of laundry a week, you are saving 2,080 gallons of water per year AND 272.48 kWh of electricity (based on the average water and electrical usage of a washer and dryer).
Eco Fresh Certified
Being EcoFresh certified means our antimicrobial protected towels and cloths stay fresher longer and require fewer launderings. This reduces the amount of detergents released into the environment and helps conserve valuable resources such as water and energy.
Our products are protected against odor-causing bacteria, mold, mildew and contaminating fungus. The unique technology we use is durable without the use of heavy metals and does not leach onto you or into our environment.
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The Technology
Millions of these molecules are permanently bonded to our textiles. The positively charged nitrogen atom attracts the negatively charged cell membrane of the microbe. The membrane of the microbe is then ruptured by a stabbing and electrocution action and the antimicrobial molecule stands ready to destroy the next microbe it encounters. See Scientific Studies below.
See two of several scientific studies below.
Percent bacteria reduction as measured against an untreated control sock.
A New, Durable Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles
Richard L Getting, Midland Michigan
Benny L. Triplett, Greenboro, North Carolina
Abstract
| Table
I: Bacteria Isolated From Worn
Untreated Socks |
||
| Lab Identification Number | Gram Stain | Identification (Name of Bacteria Genus and Species) |
| I | Positive | Micrococcus (multiple species) |
| II | Positive | Staphilococcus epidermidis |
| III | Negative | Enterobacter aglomerans |
| IV | Negative | Acinetobacter calcoaceticus |
| V | Negative | Enterobacter aglomerans |
| VI | Positive | Micrococcus (multiple species) |
| VII | Positive | Micrococcus (multiple species) |
| VIII | Positive | Staphilococcus aureus (pigmented) |
| IX | Positive | Staphilococcus aureus (nonpigmented) |
Percent bacteria reduction as measured against an untreated control sock.
| Table II:
ANTIMICROBIAL TESTING OF SOCKS AGAINST BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM SOCKS. |
||
| Lab Identification Number | Identificationn
(Name of Bacteria Genus and Species) |
% Bacteria Reduction |
| I | Micrococcus (multiple species) | 99 |
| II | Staphilococcus epidermidis | 96 |
| III | Enterobacter aglomerans | 90 |
| IV | Acinetobacter calcoaceticus | 99 |
| V | Enterobacter aglomerans | 69 |
| VI | Micrococcus (multiple species) | 100 |
| VII | Micrococcus (multiple species) | 99 |
| VIII | Staphilococcus aureus (pigmented) | 99 |
| IX | Staphilococcus aureus (nonpigmented) | 99 |
Percent bacteria reduction as measured against an untreated control sock.
| Table III: DURABILITY OF LAUNDERED SOCKS. | |
| Number of Washes | % Bacteria Reduction |
| 0 | 97.9 |
| 1 | 98.5 |
| 20 | 99.7 |
| 34 | 90.4 |
| 40 | 98.1 |
A New, Durable Antimicrobial Finish for Textiles
Richard L Getting, Midland Michigan
Benny L. Triplett, Greenboro, North Carolina
Abstract
AEM 5700 Antimicrobial (3-trimethoxysilylpropyloctadecyl ammonium chloride) imparts a durable, antimicrobial finish to textiles. The finish protects the fabric against bacteria and fungi which cause deterioration. It also inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria in in vitro tests. In Vivo organoleptic tests confirm the practicality of this concept under actual use conditions on socks.
Introduction
The need to preserve fabrics against rotting and mildew stain, particularly in industrial usage, has long been recognized. However, the use of biostats to inhibit odor development resulting from biological growth on textiles exposed to perspiration had not been considered a real need until relatively recently has accelerated the need for bacteriostatic finishes on clothing. The moisture-transport characteristics wholly natural fibers. Additionally, there is a growing volume of literature demonstrating the survival and growth of microorganisms in textiles and their dissemination as a health risk.2,3,4,5
While several bacteriostatic textile finishes already exist for personal wear, their use for this purpose has not gained ready acceptance. Poor activity against mold and mildew, lack of wash durability, inadequate safety data to meet current requirements, or a combination of these factors has hampered their use. Consequently, a sage, wash-resistant textile finish capable of inhibiting the growth of both bacteria and fungi is required.
For several decades, alkoxysilanes have been widely used by a a variety of industries as coupling agents to bind and reinforce substrates. E Plueddemann 6 has reviewed their use for such purposes. M. Latlief et al have described the bacteriostatic action of quaternary ammonium compounds on textiles.7,8,9 The latter compounds exert their influence external to the microorganism by disruption of the delicate cell membrane and therefore do not need to be absorbed in solution to produce their bacterial killing. The combination of these technologies (that is, the the bonding power of alkoxysilanes and the bacteriocidal power of "quats" on a substrate such as textiles) should result in a durable, safe, antibacterial treatment and does so with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial (3-temethoxysilylpropyldimethyloctacdecyl ammonium chloride ). An unexpected benefit to the binding of this organisilicon quaternary to a wide variety of substrates is the great increase in spectrum of both antibacterial and fungal killing power.10
This report describes the practical utility of AEM Antimicrobial on Biogard socks as a representative textile. Laboratory studies were conducted to measure the effectiveness of socks commercially treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial against odor causing bacteriaisolated from the foot. In-use clinicals were also conducted to measure actual reduction in foot odor on textiles treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial.
While several bacteriostatic textile finishes already exist for personal wear, their use for this purpose has not gained ready acceptance. Poor activity against mold and mildew, lack of wash durability, inadequate safety data to meet current requirements, or a combination of these factors has hampered their use. Consequently, a sage, wash-resistant textile finish capable of inhibiting the growth of both bacteria and fungi is required.
For several decades, alkoxysilanes have been widely used by a a variety of industries as coupling agents to bind and reinforce substrates. E Plueddemann 6 has reviewed their use for such purposes. M. Latlief et al have described the bacteriostatic action of quaternary ammonium compounds on textiles.7,8,9 The latter compounds exert their influence external to the microorganism by disruption of the delicate cell membrane and therefore do not need to be absorbed in solution to produce their bacterial killing. The combination of these technologies (that is, the the bonding power of alkoxysilanes and the bacteriocidal power of "quats" on a substrate such as textiles) should result in a durable, safe, antibacterial treatment and does so with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial (3-temethoxysilylpropyldimethyloctacdecyl ammonium chloride ). An unexpected benefit to the binding of this organisilicon quaternary to a wide variety of substrates is the great increase in spectrum of both antibacterial and fungal killing power.10
This report describes the practical utility of AEM Antimicrobial on Biogard socks as a representative textile. Laboratory studies were conducted to measure the effectiveness of socks commercially treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial against odor causing bacteriaisolated from the foot. In-use clinicals were also conducted to measure actual reduction in foot odor on textiles treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial.
I. In Vitro Microbiological Studies (See Study Results in Graphs above).
II. In Vivo Organoleptic Evaluation
The normal bacteria found on the skin of humans are capable of producing characteristic foul odors, especially on the foot and in the axillary regions.1,11 In order to obtain a samping of normal bacteria on the foot, untreated 75 percent ORLON/25 percent nylon socks were worn by laboratory peronnel during a routine workday, removed at home, sealed in plastic bags, and returned to the microbiology lab the following day. The bacteria were extracted from the socks in a liquid growth medium, isolated, and identified. The bacterial isolates obtained in the study are listed in table I (see above).
The bacteria represent a spectrum of Gram positive and Gram negative organisms capable of producing odors on textiles in contact with the skin. Figure I shows the correlation of increase in odor with increase in bacterial isolates.
Once the odor-causing bacteria were isolated, it as necessary to determine if treatment with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial would inhibit the growth of these microorganisms on the socks. ORLON/nylon socks treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrovial were supplied by Bulinton Socks/Adler. The socks were tested against each of the bacterial isolates frm the foot acccording to AATCC Test Method 100 - 197712 modified to include 0.1 percent triton X-100 saline inoculum. The results of this testing are in Table II (see above).
The socks treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial were effective in inhibiting the growth of the odor causing bacteria on the sock.
A biostatic finish on a textile such as a sock must be durable to repeated home laundering if the benefit of the treatment is to be realized for the life of the article. Table III (see above) shows the antimicrobial activity of the socks following repeated laundering.
The antimicrobial activity of the treated sockks was not reduced after 40 laundering cycles. Treated socks were machine washed through in various laundry detergents in the home. Residual antimicrobial activity was measured.
The antimicrobial activity of the treated socks was durable for the 10 laundering cycles in the detergents tested.
The in Vitro tests indicated that socks treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial do have a durable antimicrobial finish. To study the practicality of inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria on socks under actual use conditions, an in vivo organoleptic test was completed.
The bacteria represent a spectrum of Gram positive and Gram negative organisms capable of producing odors on textiles in contact with the skin. Figure I shows the correlation of increase in odor with increase in bacterial isolates.
Once the odor-causing bacteria were isolated, it as necessary to determine if treatment with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial would inhibit the growth of these microorganisms on the socks. ORLON/nylon socks treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrovial were supplied by Bulinton Socks/Adler. The socks were tested against each of the bacterial isolates frm the foot acccording to AATCC Test Method 100 - 197712 modified to include 0.1 percent triton X-100 saline inoculum. The results of this testing are in Table II (see above).
The socks treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial were effective in inhibiting the growth of the odor causing bacteria on the sock.
A biostatic finish on a textile such as a sock must be durable to repeated home laundering if the benefit of the treatment is to be realized for the life of the article. Table III (see above) shows the antimicrobial activity of the socks following repeated laundering.
The antimicrobial activity of the treated sockks was not reduced after 40 laundering cycles. Treated socks were machine washed through in various laundry detergents in the home. Residual antimicrobial activity was measured.
The antimicrobial activity of the treated socks was durable for the 10 laundering cycles in the detergents tested.
The in Vitro tests indicated that socks treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial do have a durable antimicrobial finish. To study the practicality of inhibiting the growth of odor-causing bacteria on socks under actual use conditions, an in vivo organoleptic test was completed.
II. In Vivo Organoleptic Evaluation
Burlington Socks/Adler supplied untreated ORLON/nylon control socks and socks treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial to an independent test laboratory to compare the odors of socks following normal wear by male panelists. The socks included unwashed and washed (ten laundry cycles) control and treated socks.
The male panelists were each given a control and treated sock daily during the test period. Each sock was to be worn on a specific foot. At the end of the workday , panelists reported, panelists reported to the lab to remove the socks, seal them in plastic bags, and receive socks for the next day. Odor evaluations were made by four odor judges and new sheets were used every day of the evaluation. The odor grading scale was O to 10("no odor" to "very intense and disagreeable odor").
There was a significant reduction in odor of washed treated socks compared to washed control socks at the 99 percent significance level. The difference in results between washed and unwashed treated socks when compared to controls is explained by the presence of nonsubstantive process chemicals such as dye carriers, softeners and wetting agents which are removed upon washing. The presence of these chemicals may:
Microbiological evaluations have been completed on a variety of other textiles treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial.
The fabrics include a diverse spectrum of fiber types and blends. They were treated against a broad spectrum of microorganisms including odor-causing bacteria, and bacteria and fungi which cause rot and mildew. In all cases, the treated textiles exhibited inhibition of growth of the microorganisms on the fabric, thus preventing rot and mildew, and reducing the production of foul odors.
Chemical bonding of an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound to textile substrates results in affective reduction of odor-causing microorganisms under actual in-use conditions of wear. Effectiveness is not reduced by laundering.
1. Radford, P.J., American Dyestuff Reporter, November, 1973, p.48-59.
2. Anderson, K.F., and Sheppard, R.W., Lancet, Vol. 1, 1959, p. 514-515
3. McNeil, E., and Greenstein,M., Chemical Specialties Manufacturing Association Proceedings, 1961, p. 134-141.
4.McNeil, E., Developments in Industrial Microbiology, Vol. 6, 1964, p. 30-35.
5.Wiksell, J.K,. Pickett, M.S., and Hartman, P.A., Applied Microbiology, Vol. 25, 1973, p. 431-435.
6. Plueddemann, E.P., Journal of Adhesion, Vol. 2, 1970, p. 184-201.
7. Larief, M.A., Goldsmith, M.T., Friedl, J.L., and Stuart, L.,S,. Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 39, 1951, p. 730-737.
8. Larief, M.A., Goldsmith, M.T., Friedl, J.L., and Stuart, L.,S,. Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 40, 1952, p. 324-329.
9. 8. Larief, M.A., Goldsmith, M.T., Friedl, J.L., and Stuart, L.,S,. Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 40, 1952, p. 599-605.
10. Isquith,A.J., Abbott, E.A., and Walters, P.A., Applied Microbiology, Vol. 24, 1972, p. 859-863.
11. Tachibaba, D.K., Annual Reviews of Microbiology, Vol. 30, 1976, p. 351-375.
12. Technical Manual of The American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists., Vol. 53, 1977.
The male panelists were each given a control and treated sock daily during the test period. Each sock was to be worn on a specific foot. At the end of the workday , panelists reported, panelists reported to the lab to remove the socks, seal them in plastic bags, and receive socks for the next day. Odor evaluations were made by four odor judges and new sheets were used every day of the evaluation. The odor grading scale was O to 10("no odor" to "very intense and disagreeable odor").
There was a significant reduction in odor of washed treated socks compared to washed control socks at the 99 percent significance level. The difference in results between washed and unwashed treated socks when compared to controls is explained by the presence of nonsubstantive process chemicals such as dye carriers, softeners and wetting agents which are removed upon washing. The presence of these chemicals may:
- Impart hydrophobic character to the socks which inhibits intimate contact of microorganisms with the testily surface, thus reducing effectiveness.
- Impart a pleasant, new-clothing odor which can mask unpleasant odors and is similar in action to a deodorant.
- Impart a temporary, leachable antimicrobial activity, usually due to the quaternary nature of most textile finishes such as softeners and antistats.
III. Application of AEM 5700 Antimicrobial to Other Textiles
Microbiological evaluations have been completed on a variety of other textiles treated with AEM 5700 Antimicrobial.
The fabrics include a diverse spectrum of fiber types and blends. They were treated against a broad spectrum of microorganisms including odor-causing bacteria, and bacteria and fungi which cause rot and mildew. In all cases, the treated textiles exhibited inhibition of growth of the microorganisms on the fabric, thus preventing rot and mildew, and reducing the production of foul odors.
Conclusion
Chemical bonding of an organosilicon quaternary ammonium compound to textile substrates results in affective reduction of odor-causing microorganisms under actual in-use conditions of wear. Effectiveness is not reduced by laundering.
1. Radford, P.J., American Dyestuff Reporter, November, 1973, p.48-59.
2. Anderson, K.F., and Sheppard, R.W., Lancet, Vol. 1, 1959, p. 514-515
3. McNeil, E., and Greenstein,M., Chemical Specialties Manufacturing Association Proceedings, 1961, p. 134-141.
4.McNeil, E., Developments in Industrial Microbiology, Vol. 6, 1964, p. 30-35.
5.Wiksell, J.K,. Pickett, M.S., and Hartman, P.A., Applied Microbiology, Vol. 25, 1973, p. 431-435.
6. Plueddemann, E.P., Journal of Adhesion, Vol. 2, 1970, p. 184-201.
7. Larief, M.A., Goldsmith, M.T., Friedl, J.L., and Stuart, L.,S,. Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 39, 1951, p. 730-737.
8. Larief, M.A., Goldsmith, M.T., Friedl, J.L., and Stuart, L.,S,. Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 40, 1952, p. 324-329.
9. 8. Larief, M.A., Goldsmith, M.T., Friedl, J.L., and Stuart, L.,S,. Journal of Pediatrics, Vol. 40, 1952, p. 599-605.
10. Isquith,A.J., Abbott, E.A., and Walters, P.A., Applied Microbiology, Vol. 24, 1972, p. 859-863.
11. Tachibaba, D.K., Annual Reviews of Microbiology, Vol. 30, 1976, p. 351-375.
12. Technical Manual of The American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists., Vol. 53, 1977.
The agent AEM 5700 which is applied to our textiles is EPA and FDA approved.
AEM 5700 is registered with the EPA (#64881-1) for use as a pesticide on numerous substrates. This chemistry has also been reviewed by the F.D.A. and is listed as a modifier of medical devices under the 510(k) procedures.
