Antibacterial textile – the next froniter in healthcare
Do you know anyone who was admitted to the hospital for one illness, but ended up staying longer — or worse, losing their life — because of an infection acquired during treatment?
Many of us have heard such stories. They are sobering reminders of how vulnerable patients can be to infections in healthcare settings.
In today’s healthcare environment, the battle against infections is ongoing. Multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) continue to pose a serious threat. This raises an important question:
Isn’t it crucial for both patients and healthcare workers to wear antibacterial clothing?
The answer is a resounding yes.
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a growing concern worldwide. Research shows that doctors’ scrubs and healthcare uniforms can act as silent transporters of harmful pathogens, transferring bacteria from one surface or patient to another without detection (Frei A.S., 2015).
Traditional textiles used in hospitals — typically cotton and polyester blends — may be comfortable, but they offer no defense against microbial contamination.
Antibacterial textiles are engineered to inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria, offering a passive, continuous layer of protection. These innovations do not replace hygiene practices, but enhance them — especially in high-risk environments such as:
(Goyal. S. et al., 2019)
The key lies in functionalizing textiles with antibacterial technology. This involves embedding fabrics with active agents that destroy or suppress bacterial growth. Solutions include:
This raises another important point: Shouldn’t every healthcare worker have the option to functionalize their own clothing with antibacterial protection, rather than relying solely on institutional supply?
Such an approach would:
The healthcare industry must evolve beyond conventional uniforms. Antibacterial textiles should be seen not as a luxury or optional upgrade, but as an essential tool in the fight against superbugs and HAIs (Bearman, G. M., 2012).
It’s time to envision a future where every scrub, lab coat, and patient gown actively contributes to a safer, cleaner, and more resilient healthcare system.
Reference:
Bearman, G. M., Rosato, A., Elam, K., Sanogo, K., Stevens, M. P., Sessler, C. N., & Wenzel, R. P. (2012). A crossover trial of antimicrobial scrubs to reduce methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus burden on healthcare worker apparel. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 33(3), 268-275.
Frei, A. S. (2015). Bow tie or no tie: A rule to reduce healthcare-acquired infections. Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives, 5(5), 28808.
Goyal, S., Khot, S. C., Ramachandran, V., Shah, K. P., & Musher, D. M. (2019). Bacterial contamination of medical providers’ white coats and surgical scrubs: a systematic review. American journal of infection control, 47(8), 994-1001.
The article is prepared by Biorism Scientist, Dr. Yasaaswini (PhD, Health Pharmacy).