Triclosan and Synthetic Biocide Treatments
category
Synthetic biocides for textiles include triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol), polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB), and isothiazolinone compounds applied at 0.1–2.0% owf via exhaustion or padding. Triclosan inhibits bacterial fatty acid synthesis (FabI enzyme) at 0.1–10 µg/mL MIC, achieving 4–5 log bactericidal reduction. PHMB (MW 2,500 Da) disrupts cell membranes at 0.2–1.0% owf with 3–4 log efficacy and 30–50 cycle wash durability. EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR 528/2012) restricts triclosan in wash-off consumer products; PHMB is under reassessment. Global synthetic biocide textile market is $650 million; healthcare and military segments drive demand despite tightening regulatory environment.
Role
High-efficacy antimicrobial system for military uniforms, industrial protective textiles, and healthcare applications requiring rapid broad-spectrum biocidal action, where regulatory constraints on consumer products do not apply.