Chitosan: antimicrobial action upon staphylococci after impregnation onto cotton fabric

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

F. K. Tavaria (Author) Other; J. C. Soares (Author) Other; I. L. Reis (Author) Other; M. H. Paulo (Author) Other; F. X. Malcata (Author) FEUP; M. E. Pintado (Author) Other

Journal

Title: JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY

Vol. 112

Pages: 1034-1041

ISSN: 1364-5072

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 25 Citations

ISI Web of Science

Scopus - 32 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-ATY

DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2012.05274.x

Abstract (EN): Background: High levels of viable Staphylococcus aureus, which are often found on inflamed skin surfaces, are usually associated with atopic dermatitis. Textiles, owing to their high specific surface area and intrinsic hydrophilicity, retain moisture while also providing excellent environmental conditions for microbial growth and proliferation. Recently, a number of chemicals have been added to textiles, so as to confer antimicrobial activity. Aims: To evaluate the antimicrobial action of chitosan upon selected skin staphylococci. Methods and Results: We isolated staphylococci from normal skin of 24 volunteers and studied their survival upon contact with chitosan-impregnated cotton fabric. Low and high molecular weight chitosans were used at two concentrations; all four did effectively reduce the growth of some staphylococci (namely Staph. aureus), by up to 5 log cycles, thus unfolding a potential towards control and even prevention of related skin disorders. Conclusion: Our data suggest an effective, but selective antibacterial action of chitosans towards skin bacteria. Significance and Impact of the Study: The possibility to use a natural biopolymer incorporated in a textile to alleviate and even treat some of the symptoms associated with this skin condition may raise an alternative to existing medical treatments. The selectivity observed prevents full elimination of bacteria from the skin surface, which is an advantage.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 8