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ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FASCICLE OF TEXTILES, LEATHERWORK
71
BAMBOO FIBER ANTIBACTERIAL EFFECT (A REVIEW)
RARU Aliona1,3, FLOREA-BURDUJA Elena2,3, IROVAN Marcela1,
FARÎMA Daniela3
1 Technical University of Moldova, Direction of Academic Management and Quality Assurance, 168 Stefan cel Mare
Street, Chisinau MD-2000, Republic of Moldova
2 Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Textile and Polygraphy, 4 Sergiu Radautan Street, Chisinau MD-2000,
Republic of Moldova
3 Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business, 29 Mangeron Street, Iasi
700050, Romania
Corresponding author: Raru Aliona, E-mail: aliona.raru@adm.utm.md
Abstract: This article analyzes the current known information and data on the bamboo plant natural
properties: UV protection properties, natural resistance to pests and fungal infestations due to an
antimicrobial agent known as ‘bamboo kun’. Bamboo has a bacterial rate of up to 99.8%. The bamboo fibers
air permeability is 20% higher than that of cotton, and the absorption capacity is 60% higher. After
processing, the bamboo fiber contains no harmful chemicals (as specified in the Okeo-Tex Standard 100 -
global testing and accreditation system for harmful substances screening in consumer fabrics). The Fabrics
Verification Association of Japan confirms that even after 50 industrial washes the bamboo fiber samples keep
their properties. Tests conducted by this association show that about 70% of the bacteria with which the
bamboo fiber sample was infested were destroyed. Other studies on bamboo fiber confirm very good
antimicrobial properties being followed by the combined fabric 50/50% bamboo / cotton, cotton and viscose.
Currently bamboo fibers are used in the manufacture of underwear, socks, bed linen, towels, and bathrobes.
The information got as a result of the present study allows to realize the research hypothesis, a step that will
be preceded by the own experimental research carrying out in order to determine new directions of bamboo
fibers use in the medical field.
Key words: Bamboo, fiber, antimicrobial effect, multifunctional clothing, medical clothing.
1. INTRODUCTION
Daily, man comes into contact with numerous viruses, fungi and bacteria, which settle on his
skin and clothing. In textiles, microorganisms multiply rapidly, under the action of heat and
moisture. Although most of them are non-pathogenic, there are some that present a real danger to the
body. Developing new multifunctional clothing problem is current for the textile and medical field
researchers. An increased interest is presented by the clothing having the monitoring role of the
wearer’s health as well as the clothing that has any diseases improving properties [1-4]. In this sense,
an important role belongs to the multifunctional fabrics.
Around the world, antimicrobial textiles currently find an increasing spectrum of use: from
improving daily hygiene conditions to prophylaxis, improvement and treatment of some diseases. In
ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FASCICLE OF TEXTILES, LEATHERWORK
72
hospitals it is recommended to use underwear and light clothing made of such materials, possessing
bactericidal properties. To prevent complications that may occur in various diseases due to the
“unhealthy” properties of clothing, it is recommended to use antimicrobial materials [1].
The bacteriostatic agent possesses various mechanisms of action on microbes: stagnation of
the process of osmosis and diffusion of nutrients for microbes, slowing down the processes of
multiplication of microbes, killing microbes [2-4]. Some antimicrobial agents are extremely
irritating and toxic, which leads to the need to conduct studies that allow the creation of new types of
antimicrobial materials [3, 4].
2. EXAMPLES OF GLOBAL STUDIES IN BAMBOO PROPERTIES
What is important for antimicrobial textiles is the determination of the requirements
imposed on them: the use of bacteriostatic substances, which do not pose a danger to the health of
the wearer, in sufficient quantities for killing microbes; increased action of the bactericidal agent and
a fairly wide field of use for the treatment of diseases with the preservation of properties for the
duration of wearing; the ability to preserve antimicrobial properties throughout operation, after
several washes and / or sterilizations by different methods [1, 4].
In the specialized literature, from the group of antimicrobial and antiseptic fibers are
mentioned those based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). A representative fiber in this regard is
BIOKRIL, with a special and long-lasting antimicrobial efficacy, due to its structure that allows the
antimicrobial agent to continuously diffuse to the surface of the fiber. Another acrylic fiber is also
COURTEX, in which a number of metal salts of Ag and Zn are inserted, which are fixed to the
support, by complex chemical bonds [1, 4]. These fibers have bactericidal properties. Another fiber
with antimicrobial properties is also the fiber Microsafe Celanesse. Fiber Amicor has included in its
structure antibacterial agents, for the elimination of unpleasant odors because of sweating. The fibers
covered with Silver X-Static know various fields of use in medicine, due to the bactericidal
properties they possess [1-4].
There are opinions that state that bamboo fiber naturally possesses antibacterial,
hypoallergenic and deodorizing properties. Bamboo is the plant that has the fastest growing pace in
the world. It grows on average by 10 cm per day, but there are species that grow by a millimeter
every two minutes [5, 6]. The growth cycle of bamboo is fast and lasts from three to four months,
the plants become mature in three to seven years [5, 6]. Although some species bloom every year,
most of them flower in frequently, at intervals between 40 and 60 years and even up to 120 years
[6]. Once a bamboo has blossomed, the seeds will fall on the ground, and the plant will die. In the
textile form, bamboo retains many of the properties that the plant has [6]. Bamboo absorbs water
very well, being able to take up to three times its weight in the water. The absorbency allows
removing moisture from the skin so that it can evaporate [7]. Bamboo captures warm air in its
transverse fibers to keep warm in case of low temperatures. The air permeability of bamboo fibers is
20% higher than that of cotton, and the absorption capacity is 60% higher, which provides increased
comfort in the case of high temperatures [7]. After processing, bamboo fiber does not contain
harmful chemicals (as specified in the standard Okeo-Tex 100 - global Testing and accreditation
system for screening of harmful substances in consumer textiles) [8]. The fiber is naturally smooth
and round, without chemical treatment, which means that it does not have sharp branches that irritate
the skin. Bamboo also has many antibacterial qualities, which the bamboo fabric is able to retain,
even after several washes [9, 10]. This helps to reduce bacteria that develop in clothes and can cause
unpleasant odors. The bamboo plant has protective properties against UV rays and a natural
resistance to pests and fungal infestations due to an anti-microbial agent known as "bamboo Kun",
which prevents harmful materials from growing on the plant [7-11]. It is considered that bamboo
ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FASCICLE OF TEXTILES, LEATHERWORK
73
naturally possesses hypoallergenic, antibacterial, air freshener properties, has the ability to preserve
temperature and attract moisture [8-10]. The bamboo plant is extremely durable because it grows
naturally without the need to use pesticides or fertilizers and is completely biodegradable, so this
eliminates the problem of disposal [8-11]. The processes of transformation of bamboo into fabrics
can occur mechanically and chemically. The mechanical process is similar to other loose fibers: the
fibers are extracted by maceration, which can be traditional or by means of natural enzymes, to
break the wooden walls of the plant, after which the extracted fibers are combed and cleaned before
spinning [8, 10]. All this increases production costs, risking the positioning of the eventual finished
product out of the market. Bamboo can also be used as a raw material for viscose [5-14].
Fig. 1. Bamboo – advantages and disadvantages
Bamboo is the multifunctional fiber that revolutionized the textile industry, which leads to
the need to conduct studies that would confirm or not the assumptions about its multiple advantages.
A group of researchers from Portugal conducted studies of 3D textile structures of different
composition. Bamboo, cotton, polyester and bioactive polyester in proportions from 14 to 72%. 72%
antimicrobial fiber spacing, such as bamboo, was not active against the tested micro-organisms,
while flattened knitted fabrics made from the same yarn were effective against E. coli, P. aeruginosa
and T. rubrum. Textiles subjected to testing are recommended for use as lining material for footwear
[4]. In another study, bamboo raw materials obtained from the Anhui Taiping test center of the
international bamboo and rattan center were tested. The outer and inner layers of bamboo were
removed, and then cut into blocks of 10 mm. All the blocks were washed with ultrasound with
deionized water and alcohol for 30 minutes at room temperature. To remove the impurity inside the
bamboo structure, all samples were vacuum impregnated under water several times and then dried
for 24 hours at 60 °C in vacuum. The obtained samples were subjected to antibacterial testing by the
ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FASCICLE OF TEXTILES, LEATHERWORK
74
bacteriostatic circle method, with the purpose of observing the growth inhibition properties against
Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (B. subtilis) [9].
Studies investigating the antimicrobial functionality of bamboo fiber were conducted on
samples obtained from bleached bamboo material. The samples were incubated at 37 0C for 18 to 24
hours. A clear area of inhibition was observed for both tested microorganisms: E. coli and S. aureus
[12]. Natural bamboo fibers produced from bamboo Neosinocalamus affinis have been subject to
investigation with the aim of determining the natural bacterial rate and its influence factors. The
results of antibacterial tests showed that natural bamboo fiber does not have natural antibacterial
properties compared to other textile fibers [8, 10]. The linear relationship between moisture and
bacteriostatic rate suggests that hygroscopicity may be a factor influencing the antibacterial
performance of the fiber. A method of extraction could improve the antibacterial property of natural
bamboo fiber against bacteria; therefore, extracts have influence on this [11, 14].
3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Antimicrobial properties of bamboo fiber are proven by scientific studies conducted by
several teams of researchers. The results from such studies are shown in table 1 and figure 2 [5-14].
Table 1. Antimicrobial properties of bamboo fiber
Team of authors- conducted
studies
Studies
Obtained results
Lixia Xi, Daochun Quinn, Xin An
and Ge Wang –
Resistance of natural Bamboo
fiber to microorganisms and factor
that my affect such resistance [10]
This study investigates
antimicrobial proprieties of
natural bamboo fiber compared
to cotton, jute fiber, flax fiber,
ramie fiber. The bamboo fibers
tested were obtained by
extraction using different
solvents: cold water, hot water,
ethanol, benzene,
benzene/ethanol, 1%NaOH.
The bacteria studied were
Escherichia coli and
Staphylococus aureus, and
Candida albicans.
The results showed that natural
bamboo fiber was not effective
against E. coli, S. aureus, and C.
albicanus. By comparison, the
bacteriostatic rate of ramie against
S. Aureus was over 90%, and that of
regenerated bamboo fiber was
75,8%. Jute and flax had
bacteriostatic rates against C.
albicans of 48% and 8,7%
respectively. The method of
extraction of bamboo fiber with hot
water proved to be the most
effective against E. Coli, with a
value of 70% proximity; the use of
the 1% NaOH solution achieved an
efficiency of more than 67%; at the
same time it was proved that the
antimicrobial properties of bamboo
fiber do not have resistance against
C. Albicanus.
T. Afrin,T. Tsuzuki, R.K. Kanwar
and X. Wang –
The origin of the antibacterial
property of bamboo [11]
The origin of antibacterial
activity of plant extracts from
Australian-grown bamboo
(Phyllostachys pubescens) is
investigated. Bamboo extracts
were made using water, dimethyl
sulphoxide (DMSO) and dioxin.
It was found that the extract made in
20% DMSO aqueous solution
showed weak antibacterial activity,
whereas the extract made using 90%
dioxin aqueous solution exhibited
strong antibacterial activity, even
after 20 times dilution. The results
ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FASCICLE OF TEXTILES, LEATHERWORK
75
Gram-negative bacterium,
Escherichia coli (E. coli) -
ATCC 25922 was used as test
organism.
indicate that antibacterial agents of
P. pubescence are located in lignin,
not in hemicellulose or other water-
soluble chemical components.
C. Javakarbnu –
Antimicrobial properties of
bamboo fabric finished with
Vempadam Bark [12]
For antibacterial testing was
adopted the parallel streak
method
against microorganisms E. coli
and S. aureus.
The tests showed a durability of
antimicrobial properties up to 10
washing cycles and an inhibition
zone of 35 mm against S. aureus and
34 mm against E. coli.
Textile verification Association of
Japan –
Studies on bamboo fiber and
antibacterial effect [13]
We analyzed the antibacterial
and antifungal behavior of
bamboo fiber socks, compared to
100% cotton, 100% viscose and
50/50% bamboo/cotton socks.
Bamboo has very good
antimicrobial properties, followed
by the combined fabric 50/50%
bamboo / cotton, cotton and viscose.
The results also showed that there
was no antimicrobial activity level
for cotton samples.
Junyi Zhang, Bo Zhang, Xiufang
Chen, Bingbinng Mi, Penglian
Wei, Benhua Fei and Xindong Mu
–
Antimicrobial bamboo materials
functionalized with ZnO and
Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
[14]
For antibacterial testing was
adopted the bacteriostatic circle
method. The results were
estimated by their growth
inhibitory properties against
Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli)
and Gram-positive bacteria (B.
subtilis). The antibacterial
performance was estimated by
the size of the inhibition zone.
It can be observed an inhibition
zone 2,15 cm for Gram-negative
bacteria (E. coli) and an inhibition
zone 2,5 cm for Gram-positive
bacteria (B. subtilis).
Fig. 2. The properties of bamboo fiber
4. CONCLUSIONS
In the study, we can say that the bamboo fiber exhibits a number of advantages. At present
bamboo has various fields of use: in construction, in papermaking, in the manufacture of dishes, the
ANNALS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ORADEA
FASCICLE OF TEXTILES, LEATHERWORK
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newest bamboo is used in the textile industry. The properties of bamboo fiber are influenced by the
method of fiber extraction and the method of manufacturing textiles: fabric or knit, the type of knit.
Some studies confirm the antimicrobial properties of bamboo fiber, at the same time the results of
other studies demonstrate antibacterial inactivity of natural bamboo fiber. Antibacterial agents of
bamboo are located in lignin [9, 11]. The information obtained from this study is insufficient to
confirm or not the antimicrobial properties of bamboo, as the results obtained differ from one study
to another. In order to materialize the research hypothesis, it is necessary to carry out own
experimental research in order to determine new areas of use of bamboo fibers in the medical field.
REFERENCES
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