Are Lewis Acids The Antimicrobial Solution For Textiles?
A new research project at the Hohenstein Group deals with antimicrobial effects of Lewis acids that are applied on textile surfaces. Results of this work may significantly contribute to countermeasures against multi-resistant bacteria as found, for example, in medical facilities.
Many areas of everyday and professional life require antimicrobial protection. Such an effect on textile surfaces is currently achieved by utilization of silver or ammonium containing compounds. However, the use of such compounds is questionable with respect to possible adverse ecological and toxicological effects. In addition, these compounds are generally expensive.
Lewis acids exhibit an acidic surface effect
Lewis acids exhibit an acidic surface effect and an antimicrobial effect has been demonstrated...