Antibacterial properties of wool: scientific explanation

Antibacterial properties of wool: scientific explanation
As a natural fiber material, wool has a wide range of applications in the fashion industry. In addition to its soft, warm, and comfortable properties, wool also has antibacterial properties. So, how is the antibacterial performance of wool achieved?


First, we need to understand the structure of wool. Wool fibers consist of an epidermal layer, a cortical layer, and a medullary layer. The epidermal layer is the outermost layer of wool fibers, mainly composed of keratinocytes that cover the wool fibers. These keratinocytes have many small pores from which fatty acids containing natural antibacterial substances can be released.

Studies have shown that the antibacterial substances in wool are mainly fatty acids, including palmitic acid, linoleic acid, stearic acid, and so on. These fatty acids have various biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities, which can effectively inhibit the reproduction and growth of bacteria. In addition, wool also contains other natural substances, such as cortisol and keratin, which can also play a certain antibacterial role.

In addition, the antibacterial properties of wool are also related to its surface morphology. There are many scale structures on the surface of wool fibers, which can resist the invasion of dirt and microorganisms, thereby maintaining the cleanness and hygiene of wool.

In general, the antibacterial properties of wool are the result of a combination of multiple factors. Its natural antibacterial substances, small pores in the epidermis, other natural substances, and the scale structure on the surface all play an important role. Therefore, when selecting wool products, we can pay more attention to their antibacterial properties, and maintain their hygiene and cleanliness through scientific maint;enance methods to better play their antibacterial effects


Post time: Mar-29-2023