Determining the effectiveness of using a composition of biosurfactants in technologies for antimicrobial treatment of fleece materials for military and civil purposes

Abstract

This study’s object is the processes of antimicrobial treatment of fleece materials for military-civilian purposes. The issue addressed is the high vulnerability of fleece materials to bacterial and fungal contamination in intensive use. This reduces their hygienic characteristics, durability, and safety. The effectiveness of using the composition of biological surface-active substances (biosurfactants) with a concentration of 2.5 g/l has been carried out for the technologies of antimicrobial treatment of fleece materials for military-civilian purposes. The effect of biosurfactant composition on the preservation of antimicrobial activity against a wide range of microorganisms (Acinetobacter spp., Enterococcus faecalis, Micrococcus spp., Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, Aspergillus) was studied. The results indicate a decrease in the bacterial load to the level of 101–102 CFU/ml and a significant reduction or complete elimination of fungal contamination (up to 103 CFU/ml). The findings are attributed to the ability of biosurfactant to destroy cellular membranes of microorganisms, which provides increased biocidal resistance of the material. A feature of the results is the achievement of a pronounced antimicrobial effect while maintaining the physical and mechanical properties of the fabric. After treatment, a slight increase in bending stiffness (10–20%) was observed, the wrinkle resistance coefficient was 44–72%. This ensures the proper level of comfort and functionality of the products. The practical significance relates to the possibility of implementing the designed technological solutions in the production of military and civilian clothing, which is operated under conditions of increased requirements for hygiene, thermal insulation, and durability, enabling consumer protection from microbial contamination.