Vol. 10, Special Issue 5 (2021)

Author(s):
Sonu Rani and Alka Goel

Abstract:
Microbes can multiply on textiles and carried by it. Antimicrobial textiles could prevent itself from the transmission of infections. Antimicrobial textile can be prepared by impregnation, starching, fiber mass treatment and microencapsulation. Microorganisms can cause health hazards so it becomes important to finish garment with substances which can prevent the growth of microorganisms. Technical textiles used for medical applications are known as Medical textiles or Medtech. The application of medical textile includes usual wound care, incontinence pads, plasters, single thread sutures and complex composite structures for bone replacement, simple cleaning wipe, advanced barrier fabrics used in operating rooms. In medical and surgical applications, strength, flexibility and moisture (sometimes) and air permeability parameters are required. Absorbency, tenacity, flexibility, softness and at times bio-stability or biodegradability are major requirements of medical textiles. Fibers, yarns, fabrics and composites are used for medical applications. The common cold is an acute illness of upper respiratory tract with early symptoms of headache, sneezing, chilliness, and sore throat and later symptoms of nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, cough, and malaise. The reason behind common cold is Human Rhinoviruses, Corona virus and Influenza virus. Viral colds may be life-threatening for vulnerable groups of patients. Virus-specific management remains a challenging potential as many factors have to be taken into account, including the diversity of the viral genomes. In the present study, masks are prepared using cotton fabric, microencapsulated with Ocimum basilicum. It was found out that these masks were effective measure against airborne disease such as COVID-19 disease. Out of total respondents, 100% respondents did not found any side effect of treated mask; fragrance of basil is found to be effective against cold.