SYNTHETIC ANTIMICROBIAL AGENT AND ANTIMICROBIAL FABRICS: PROGRESS AND CHALLENGES

ABSTRACT: Recently, there is a strengthening requirement for antimicrobial fabrics that are resistant to pathogens, offer greater hygiene, and are protective in an active lifestyle. Synthetic compounds have been applied to impart antimicrobial properties to the fabrics. In this paper, synthetic antimicrobial agents, namely quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), triclosan, and N-halamine are discussed along with their mechanisms of action. Research has been done on synthetic antimicrobial treatment of fabrics; the tested microorganisms used to determine their efficiency and durability are summarized. It is also found that although synthetic antimicrobial agents have excellent strength to kill the microorganisms, some of these antimicrobial agents are harmful and have adverse effects on the environment, safety, and health. Identification of these problems will provide future challenges to overcome and improve the techniques used for antimicrobial treatment of the fabrics. Based on the infromation presented herein, it is recommended that subsequent studies should consider the use of antimicrobial agents that are either obtained from plant sources or from microorganisms. On the other hand, nanotechnlogy should be explored for production of antimicrobial agents in further studies based on its potential to facilitate the production of environmentally benign antimicrobial agents. ABSTRAK: Kebelakangan ini, permintaan terhadap fabrik antimikrobial bagi mencegah jangkitan patogen, penjagaan kebersihan dan perlindungan bagi gaya hidup yang aktif semakin meningkat. Sebatian sintetik telah diguna pakai bagi menambah sifat antimikrobial pada fabrik. Di dalam artikel ini, agen antimikrob sintetik yang dinamakan sebagai sebatian ammonium kuater (QAC), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), triclosan dan N-halamine serta mekanisma tindak balasnya telah dibincangkan. Penyelidikan telah dijalankan terhadap fabrik yang dirawat menggunakan agen antimikrob sintetik. Mikroorganisma yang digunakan bagi menentukan kecekapan dan daya tahan turut diringkaskan. Keputusan menunjukkan agen antimikrobial sintetik mempunyai tindak balas yang sangat baik untuk membunuh mikroorganisma, namun sebahagian agen antimikrobial ini berbahaya dan mempunyai kesan buruk terhadap alam sekitar, keselamatan dan kesihatan. Melalui kaedah kenal pasti masalah, ia dapat memberi solusi dan membaiki teknik rawatan antimikrobial pada fabrik pada masa hadapan. Hasil keputusan dan perbincangan menunjukkan kajian seterusnya harus menimbang penggunaan agen antimikrobial yang diperoleh dari sumber tumbuhan. Selain itu, nanoteknologi harus diterokai bagi pengeluaran agen antimikrobial berdasarkan potensinya yang mesra alam