Development of Anti-bacterial Textile Materials by Biostatic Approach with Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for Healthcare Use

In this project, anti-bacterial textile materials by biostatic approach with poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) for healthcare products will be developed. The inhibition of the growth of microbes in textile material surface can be achieved through biostatic approach (inhibits the growth of microbes). Using the biostatic approach of treating textile materials, it would introduce anti-bacterial effect and the materials are reusable. With the biostatic approach, it will not induce possible mutation to pathogens leading to development of unknown new bacteria. On the other hand, PEG is a hydrated, non-toxic coating and FDA-approved product which is widely used in biotechnology and consumer applications. In order to applying PEG to textile materials, pad-dry-cure and spraying methods would be studied to apply PEG with crosslinking agent on both sides or one side of textile materials respectively. The effectiveness of PEG coating would be evaluated with clinical trial in Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong located at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital.