Antifungal and antibacterial effects of 1‐monocaprylin on textile materials

The efficacy of a new antimicrobial treatment of textile materials based on the use of 1‐monocaprylin against various species of saprophytic moulds (Alternaria alternate CCM F‐397, Aspergillus niger ATCC 16404, Mucor racemosus CCM 8190, Penicillium ochrochloron CCM F‐158, Trichoderma viridae CCM F‐728), pathogenic moulds (Epidermophyton floccosum CCM 8339, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533, Trichophyton rubrum DSMZ 4167), pathogenic yeasts (Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida parapsilosis CCM 8260), Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352) and Gram‐positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6853) was investigated. The testing was carried out according to DIN EN ISO 20645 disc‐diffusions test, using a 2‐layer method. The results showed that 1‐monocaprylin effectively killed all tested bacterial strains and pathogenic microorganisms with an exception of saprophytic moulds only, which were partially resistant. Textiles treated with 1‐monocaprylin reduced the growth of pathogenic, potentially dangerous microorganisms frequently occurring for example on the feet and in the shoes. Practical applications: To prevent microbial contamination leading to degradation of textile materials, various antimicrobial agents aimed at killing or suppressing of microorganism growth are applied. Among others, also MAGs belong to safe and efficient antimicrobial agents. Their application in antimicrobial treatment of textiles may be a suitable alternative to commercially used antimicrobial agents, as these endogenous lipid substances are present almost in all animal and plant tissues and are harmless to human body. The present study has confirmed that MAGs possess a suitable inhibitory activity when applied on textiles and are capable of hindering and even suppressing growth of bacteria and moulds that may occur during storage and use of textiles. The obtained results can be closely related to potential industrial applications of MAGs as effective agents for antimicrobial textiles and lining and insole materials for footwear, including those designed for diabetics.