Biodeterioration of textiles

Textiles, particularly those composed of natural organic fibres such as cotton, linen, wool, etc., are readily attacked by microorganisms. Most synthetic fabrics are not readily subject to extensive biodeterioration, but some processing and finishing agents are susceptible to microbial spoilage. Microorganisms can affect all stages of textile processing and storage, with fungi being the most important microorganisms in textile biodeterioration processes. Microbial growth on a textile causes loss of strength and elongation, discolouration and changes in appearance. They follow changes in oxidation state, degree of polymerization and breakdown of molecular structure. There are two main ways of textile protection—control of the environmental physical conditions and treatments with biocides.