There is a lot of superficial talk about antibacterial or antiviral in this day and age, and we have realised that there really is a lot of confusion about what a virus or bacterium actually is. We, who at Maeko use fibres with antibacterial characteristics try to take a snapshot and put things in their place.
Viruses are extremely small micro-organisms, visible only under an electron microscope. They are not able to reproduce themselves, but can only do so within cells. The resistance of viruses in the environment is extremely low, although some can survive for a long time. Not all viruses can be effectively combated with drugs, and others are resisted by specific vaccination.
Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms, they are larger than viruses and are visible using an optical microscope, they are able to reproduce autonomously. Bacteria are commonly found on all surfaces and do not necessarily cause harm; on the contrary, their presence is often useful for the performance of certain metabolic functions and for strengthening the immune system.
While other types of bacteria, called pathogens, can be really aggressive and damage tissues and organs, causing serious bacterial infections that can be treated with antibiotics.
Nature has always had to defend itself against external attacks, both very large and very small. Many plants, but not only them, can help us from this point of view, and knowing their characteristics can also help us when choosing the fibres of the things we wear every day.
Here are some of the fibres we use to create yarns and fabrics that have naturally antibacterial properties: Hemp, Nettle, Crabyon, Seaweed, Copper or Silver yarns.
Hemp: The high concentration of non-psychoactive cannabinoids in many varieties of cannabis sativa makes antibacterial agents readily available to tackle drug resistance of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other pathogenic bacteria.
Nettle: The cultivation of the nettle plant, due to its high pathogen resistance and stinging properties, does not require the use of herbicides and pesticides. When transformed into fibre it loses its stinging properties, but its antibacterial properties remain unchanged.
Crabyon: A recent fibre created by the Japanese company Omikenshi. The production process involves crushing crustacean shells from the food industry and mixing them with cellulose, without the use of solvents. This method makes available Chitin and Chitosan, substances with innumerable hygienic properties. We are talking about a textile fibre that, besides being antibacterial and antimicrobial, is haemostatic, completely biodegradable, hypoallergenic, ecological and biocompatible.
Seaweed yarn: The unique properties of seaweed help protect our skin from the harmful environmental influences we are exposed to on a daily basis. Seaweed is naturally antibacterial and rich in essential substances such as vitamins, trace elements, amino acids and minerals.
Copper or Silver Yarns: Their use, like that of other precious metals for our body, has a very ancient history. in addition to the very strong antibacterial property, incorporating a copper or silver yarn to any textile project brings numerous technical characteristics, related to the world of well-being.
Knowing and understanding the world around us can help us make better choices for ourselves and our loved ones every day, making us conscious and consequently freer people.
