Thin-film coating of textile materials. Part 1: Permanent functionalization of textile materials with biopolymers

An easy technique for the immobilization of biopolymers from the carbohydrate family, such as alginates, chitosans, pectins and carrageenans, onto textile materials is described. These biopolymers can be fixed onto the carrier material covalently via different anchor molecules. Different analysis procedures are carried out to determine the biopolymer load on the textile materials. The well-known properties of these biomolecules, such as antibacterial behavior, can be shown, even on the fabrics. Moreover, such materials when fixed onto textiles can improve regulation of microclimate between the skin and the fabric. Several cotton T-shirts were finished and used for dermatological studies. These shirts were evaluated by patients with atopic eczemas and were found to be very comfortable. The fabrics can be utilized in wound healing or to prevent allergic skin reactions.