US20190053556A1

US20190053556A1 - Textiles Treated with Composition Inhibiting Sustainability and Growth of Pathogenic Microbes

Info

Publication number: US20190053556A1
Application number: US16/104,793
Authority: US
Inventors: Gregory G. Judah
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Microbicbloc LLC
Priority date: 2017-08-18
Filing date: 2018-08-17
Publication date: 2019-02-21
Also published as: WO2019036680A1

Abstract

A composition, method and textile-containing products that inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., by subjecting them to a chemical treatment that deprives them of nutrients and allows them to be washed away while the treating composition remains resident in or bound to the treated textiles and fibers following repeated cycles of washing and use.

Description

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to woven or knit textiles, fibers and yarns (collectively, “textiles”) treated with a chemical composition that inhibits the growth of pathogenic microbes by depriving them of the nutrients needed to sustain growth. Alternatively, the treating composition of the invention can be applied to products manufactured from the textiles. The treated textiles of the invention desirably remain effective for deterring or inhibiting infectious microbial growth following repeated commercial washing cycles. Examples of products that can be made from textiles treated in accordance with the invention include, for example, garments, underwear, linens, blankets, curtains, towels, washcloths, furniture coverings, seat coverings, table cloths, aprons and towels used in medical and dental facilities, schools, publicly used buildings, food preparation areas, public transportation, and the like. A novel tear-away hospital gown that comprises the treated textile of the invention, provides better anatomical coverage and quick access to a patient's frontal anatomy (especially while lying on a hospital bed or gurney) is also disclosed.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Some manufacturers of carpets, footwear, garments and other textile containing products have for many years incorporated organic or inorganic substances and chemicals into their products for so-called “antimicrobial” use in combatting odors such as pet odors, foot and other bodily odors, smoke odors, and the like. Some such substances were intended to oxidize or otherwise break down the odor-producing compounds contributing to the odors to make the treated products smell better to persons situated nearby. Other such substances were intended to mask odors without inhibiting the sustainability or growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Still other manufacturers have produced and marketed disinfectant sprays and liquids for use in treating hard surfaces such as counters, floors, bathroom fixtures, and the like, where infectious microbes might be present. Such disinfectant products are intended to kill microbes on contact, but typically contain harsh chemicals that can also be toxic to humans if breathed, ingested or placed in close contact with human skin, and are not suitable for use treating textiles from which articles such as hospital gowns are made.
More recently, antimicrobial scrubs, nursing uniforms and lab coats that claim to resist or inhibit the growth of bacteria, yeast and algae, and minimize odors and stains due to bacteria have been introduced and are commercially available, for example, under the brand names Cherokee, Code Happy, SmartScrubs, Dickies and HeartSoul. Such garments are made, for example, from a 63% polyester/34% cotton/3% spandex poplin; 95% rayon/5% spandex; 55% cotton/43% polyester/2% spandex poplin; 77% polyester/20% rayon/3% spandex twill; and the like, and often carry the following EPA disclaimer:

- EPA disclaimer: Garments featuring antimicrobial technology do not protect users or others against bacteria, viruses or other disease organisms.

Some of such products are said to embody Certainty® or Certainty Plus® technology. Both Certainty® and Certainty Plus® are registered trademarks of Strategic Partners, Inc. of Chatsworth, Calif. Certainty Plus® is registered as a trademark for use with antimicrobial treated medical wearing apparel, namely scrub tops, scrub pants, lab coats and gowns. Certainty® technology is said to provide long-lasting effectiveness against unwanted bacteria on the fabric, protection against unpleasant odor and/or musky odor buildup by keeping odor-causing bacterial loads at minimal levels, reducing the amount of bacteria on scrubs during and after launderings. Such treatment is said to use nanotechnology to attach to the individual fibers, delivering superior performance characteristics without compromising the look (hang), feel (hand) or comfort of the fabric, but does not purport to combat the sustainability or growth of pathogenic microbes.
Rohm and Haas Chemicals LLC, a subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, has marketed SILVADUR™ 900 Antimicrobial comprising acrylic polymers, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, ammonium hydroxide, silver ion, water, butanol, ammonium nitrate and individual residual monomers, which is said to be dangerous (corrosive, causing tearing, pain, burns, swelling, reddening) to the eyes and skin with the primary routes of entry being inhalation, skin contact, eye contact and dermal absorption. Other compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,411,933; 7,390,774; 8,303,821; 8,858,926; and 9,034,352. U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,438 discloses operating room clothing comprising fabrics tested with bacteriostatic compounds. U.S. Pat. No. 9,655,388 discloses articles of clothing that incorporate antibacterial or antifungal agents.
In the medical field, gowns provided by medical care facilities for patient wear have remained substantially unchanged in design for many decades. Such gowns are typically open in the back, often exposing portions of a patient's anatomy, and are tied at the neck in a position behind the patient's head. Such gowns are typically inconvenient and embarrassing to wear, and provide little or no frontal access to medical personnel treating a patient when the patient is lying in bed or on a gurney while wearing such a gown. A hospital gown configured to facilitate quick access to and/or removal from a patient's anatomy by medical personnel is therefore also needed. One article discussing efforts to control the spread of bacteria in hospitals is “Survival of Enterococci and Staphylococci on Hospital Fabrics and Plastics,” Journal of Clinical Microbiology (February 2000, p. 724-726).
Other prior art literature discussing starvation or nutrient deprivation as ways of combatting growth and replication of microbial pathogens include: “An optimal method of iron starvation of the obligate intracellular pathogen, Chlamydia trachomatis,” Frontiers in Microbiology, Vol. 2, Art. 20 (February 2011) and “Feast or famine: the host-pathogen battle over amino acids,” Cellular Microbiology (2013) 15(7), 1079-1087.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A composition and method are disclosed here that are useful for treating yarns, fibers, textiles and textile-containing products to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes, specifically including hospital-acquired pathogens such as, for example and without limitation, Enterococci (E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, E. casseliflavus), Staphylococci (S. aureus), CNS (Coagulase-Negative Stapholococci), Clostridium difficile, and the like, that are known to grow and thrive on conventionally treated hospital fabrics and plastic. The invention disclosed here is also more broadly directed toward a composition, method and products that inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc., by subjecting them to a chemical treatment that deprives them of nutrients and allows them to be washed away while the treating composition remains bound to the treated textiles and fibers following repeated cycles of washing and use.
According to one embodiment of the invention, textiles are disclosed that are treated with an amount of treating composition that is desirably sufficient to impregnate or saturate the textile and adhere to the textile upon drying. Satisfactory methods of treating can include, for example, dipping or spraying the textile in such manner and for a sufficient residence time that the textile can become well coated or saturated with the treating composition, and then rolling and drying the treated textile to a desired moisture content for further processing or storage. The treating composition is desirably an aqueous suspension comprising a finely divided, powdered, particulate or ionic dispersion of a metallic component in combination with a miscible polymer component that functions as a matrix, stabilizer or binding agent to hold the metallic component on the textile. The aqueous treating composition is desirably mixed into an application bath preferably comprising acetic acid and having a pH not greater than about 6.5. The metallic component is desirably provided to resist the growth of microbic pathogens on the textile by reducing the availability of nutrients in proximity to the microbes on the textile. The polymer component desirably supports the dispersed metallic component and facilitates attachment of the metallic component to the textile so as to prolong the beneficial effects of treating through repeated cycles of use and washing. Polymeric components that can be used in the invention are believed to include, for example, polymer or copolymers such as polybutylene terephthalate or another effective polyolefin, polyester or polyamide, and preferred metal-containing components desirably comprise finely divided silver, zinc or titanium particles, powder or ions. The metal-containing components can be provided as water soluble, insoluble or amphoteric powders, fillers or salts such as, for example, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silver nitrate, silver chloride, and the like.
According to another embodiment of the invention, a garment such as a hospital gown is disclosed that comprises a textile material treated as described above. Although treating of the textile prior to fabrication of the garment is preferred, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the beneficial effects of the invention can also be achieved by treating fibers, threads or yards prior to forming a woven or non-woven textile, or by treating a fabricated garment prior to storage, sale or use. According to one satisfactory embodiment of the invention, a hospital gown is fabricated that comprises a plurality of non-metal (preferably plastic or nylon) fasteners, such as snap fasteners, that enable the gown to be opened and/or removed to quickly access to the anatomy of a patient as needed to administer medical treatment. Similarly, openings with fasteners permitting easy access to a patient's anatomy can similarly be provided in those portions of a treated gown or other garment where medical treatment may be required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various beneficial aspects of the invention are further disclosed, described and explained in relation to the following drawings and exhibits wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of one embodiment of a hospital gown made and treated as disclosed; and

FIG. 2 is a rear elevation view of the hospital gown of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Treated textiles (again including woven or knit textiles, fibers or yarns) and textile-containing products are disclosed in this application, with one preferred use for such textiles and products being the healthcare industry, where inhibiting the growth and replication of pathogenic microbes is always a concern. The textile treatment disclosed here is applicable to woven and non-woven materials comprising natural fibers, synthetic fibers and textiles containing blends of natural and synthetic fibers. In addition to controlling the growth and replication of pathogenic microbes by “starving” them as opposed to “killing” them, other objectives desirably achieved through use of the present invention include the development of garments and other textile products that have a good look and feel and that can be laundered commercially through repeated wash cycles while retaining the ability to inhibit the growth and replication of pathogenic microbes. In particular, a novel hospital gown is disclosed here that provides improved anatomical coverage, can be worn safely while inside imaging devices, and is configured for quick (less than about 5 seconds) and easy access to desired portions of a patient's anatomy, and/or removal from a patient to facilitate the rapid delivery of medical care.
The subject textiles are desirably treated by saturating them in a bath comprising an aqueous treating composition containing metal ions (preferably in a finely divided form that is soluble or can be suspended in water) in combination with a soluble or miscible polymeric complexing or binding agent that helps prevent the metal-containing powders from washing away or leaching out of the textiles during use and repeated laundering. Although the mechanism by which the metal-containing powders inhibit the growth and replication of pathogenic microbes on the textile products is not fully understood, prototype textiles have exhibited durability and effectiveness at inhibiting growth of pathogenic microbes that is sustained through repeated laundering cycles (25 to 50 cycles or more at temperatures upward of 170° F. for time periods up to 20 minutes or longer per wash cycle). In one embodiment of the invention, 97% effectiveness for inhibiting the growth and replication of pathogenic microbes on textile samples was achieved after 50 washings.
The subject textiles are desirably sterilized prior to applying the composition of the invention to them, although it will be appreciated that either the treated textile or textile-containing products made with treated textiles can also be sterilized following manufacture if desired or needed for some applications. The treatment process desirably includes dipping, spraying or otherwise coating the textiles to achieve a desired degree of saturation that will likely depend to some extent upon the type, makeup and thread count of the textile or textile blend undergoing treatment and upon the intended use of the treated textile. The bath comprising the aqueous treating composition is desirably maintained at a pH of not greater than about 6.5 and preferably contains a buffering agent such as acetic acid to assist in maintaining the pH of the treated textile at a level that is non-toxic and does not irritate the skin of a patient or other user whose skin is placed in direct contact with a treated textile-containing product.
The treating composition is desirably an aqueous solution or suspension comprising water, a dispersed finely divided or ionic metal-containing component, and a polymeric component that is miscible with the aqueous solution or suspension. The metal component is desirably provided to resist the growth of microbic pathogens on the textile by reducing the availability of nutrients in proximity to the microbes on the textile. The polymeric component is desirably provided to complex with, or otherwise facilitate, binding of the dispersed, metal-containing component to the textile so as to prolong the beneficial effects of treating through repeated cycles of use and washing. A preferred polymer for use in the invention is polybutylene terephthalate or another similarly effective polyolefin, polyester or polyamide, and preferred metal-containing components desirably comprise silver, zinc or titanium. The metal-containing components can be provided as water soluble, insoluble or amphoteric powders, fillers or salts including, for example, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silver nitrate and silver chloride.
A preferred method for treating the textiles is by dipping them in a solution of a bath containing the treating composition for a desired interval either manually or in the form of a web traveling on conveyor rollers that preferably immerse the web for a period sufficient to substantially coat or saturate the textile. Alternatively, the treating composition can be applied to fibers or yarns by repeated spraying to improve penetration into and adherence to the textile, or by utilizing other similarly effective techniques for dipping, coating, saturating or impregnating the textiles with the treating compositions that may be suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. Excess liquid can then be expressed from the treated textile through the use of devices such as calendaring rolls (preferably having polyamide surfaces) that reduce the moisture content of the textile to a predetermined desirable level, followed if needed by drying to a desired final moisture content. Other textile processing steps that can optionally be included are singing, desizing, bleaching, mercerizing, heat setting, polyester dyeing, reduction clearing, cotton dyeing, brushing, fabric finishing, packaging and finished product sterilizing.
The Examples below contain testing parameters and representative test data for a plurality of treated and untreated textile swatches inoculated with various microbial pathogens as detailed below and are believed to be understandable by one of ordinary skill in the art of designing and manufacturing products comprising textiles intended for use or wear in the healthcare industry. The treated textile swatches are satisfactorily prepared by treating them with a suitable composition as described and explained above, and more particularly, using a product marketed under the trademark Silaide™ by N9 World Technologies Pvt. Ltd. that is understood to embody U.S. EPA approved silver chemistry and formulated to produce an aqueous dispersion of non-agglomerated silver chloride.
The test procedure used in each of the Examples is believed to be substantially as follows:

- 1. Test and control fabrics are cut into appropriately-sized swatches of 50 mm diameter and stacked. The numbers of swatches taken are 2-6 in order to absorb the entire liquid inoculums of 1 ml quantity.
- 2. Stock virus is standardized to prepare a test inoculum. The test inoculums supplemented with an organic soil load, if required.
- 3. Test and control materials are inoculated with the test virus, and incubated in a humid environment at 35° C. temperature for the 24 hours contact time.
- 4. The viral concentration is determined at “Time Zero” to verify the target inoculums using standard cell culture (e.g. TCID50) or plaque assay techniques. Assay plates are incubated for 48 hours for the virus-host cell system.
- 5. After the incubation period, following neutralization, the carrier suspensions are quantified to determine the levels of infections virus survived and the assay is scored for titre of test virus.
- 6. Adequate control is implemented to verify neutralization effectiveness of the antimicrobial agent with Neutralizer used.
- 7. Percent reductions are computed for test fabric relative to the Time Zero enumeration(s), and reported.

Example 1

Name of test: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity by AATCC 100-2012
Test Inoculum:

- 1. Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (2.00×10⁵CFU/ml)
- 2. Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) S-129 (1.90×10⁵CFU/ml)

Additional Test Information:

- 1. Sample size: 48 mm discs
- 2. No. of swatches used: 7
- 3. Method of Sterilisation of sample: Free steaming
- 4. Inoculum Carrier: Phosphate Buffered water
- 5. Neutraliser: DE Broth

Results:
Fabric swatches in contact with individual test cultures for 24 hrs at 37° C. showed the following results:


	No. of Bacteria per sample (CFU/Sample)

Sample		Inoculated Sample	Inoculated Sample	Percentage of Reduction
Identification	Test Culture	at 0 hours (B)	at 24 hours (A)	of Microorganism (R)

2060- Silaide	Escherichia	2.00 × 10⁵	7.00 × 10²	99.65
Treated Fabric -	coli
(0 wash)	MR Staph.	1.92 × 10⁵	1.60 × 10²	99.91
	aureus
2060- Silaide	Escherichia	2.09 × 10⁵	1.20 × 10³	99.42
Treated Fabric -	coli
(50 washes)	MR Staph.	1.97 × 10⁵	1.80 × 10³	99.08
	aureus

Remarks:

- 1. CFU: Colony Forming Unit=No. of Microorganisms
- 2. Percentage Reduction of Microorganisms (R)=100 (B−A/B)

Fabric labeled as 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric (0) wash has shown 99.65% and 99.91% antimicrobial activity;
Fabric 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric (50 washes) has shown 99.42% and 99.08% antimicrobial activity towards Escherichia coli and Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus respectively when analyzed as per AATCC 100-2012 test Method.

Example 2

Sample Description: Cotton/Polyester Blended Blue Color Woven Fabric Sample

- 1. 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric—0 Wash
- 2. 2060-Silade Treated Fabric—50 Washes

Purpose of Test: Antiviral Activity of Fabric
Name of Test: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity by AATCC 100-2012
Test Microorganism Information: MS2 Bacteriophage (MS2) is an RNA virus of the family Leviviridae. Escherichia coli 15597 are the hosts for bacteriophages. Due to its environment resistance, MS2 bacteriophages are used as a surrogate virus (particularly in place of Picornaviruses such as Poliovirus and human Norovirus) in water quality and Antimicrobial studies.
Virus: MS2 Bacteriophage
Permissive Host Cell: Escherichia coli ATCC 15597
Test Parameters Used in Study:

- 1. Sample size: 48 mm discs
- 2. No. of Swatches used: 7
- 3. Method of Sterilisation of sample: Autoclaving
- 4. Viral Inoculum Volume: 1.0 ml; 1.10×10⁵PFU/ml
- 5. Host Cell Line: E. coli 15597
- 6. Dilution Medium: Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS)
- 7. Contact Time: 24 hours at 35° C.
- 8. TSA Neutralizer: 10 ml D/E broth
- 9. Assay Medium: 50% TSA agar
- 10. Incubation Period: 48 hours


	Test Organism: MS2 Bacteriophage

	Average PFU/	Average PFU/
	Carrier at 0	Carrier at	Percentage	Log
Sample	hours (B)	24 hours (A)	of Reduction	Reduction of

Identification	PFU	log	PFU	log	of Virus	Virus

2060 - Silaide	5.70 × 10⁶	6.75	5.10 × 10²	2.70	99.99	4.05
Treated Fabric - (0
wash)
2060 - Silaide			1.02 × 10³	3.00	99.98	3.75
Treated Fabric - (50
washes)

Remarks:

- 1. PFU: Plaque Forming Unit=No. of Microorganisms
- 2. Percentage Reduction=(B−A/B)×100
- 3. Log Reduction Log (B/A)
  - Where:
  - B=Number of viable test microorganisms on the control carriers immediately after inoculation
  - A=Number of viable test microorganisms on the test carriers after the contact time

Fabric labeled as 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric—0 Wash has shown 99.99% reduction of Virus; Fabric 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric—50 Washes has shown 99.98% reduction of Virus when analyzed as per AATCC 100-2012 test Method using MS2 Bacteriophage as surrogate virus.

Example 3

Sample Description: Cotton/Polyester Blended Blue Color Woven Fabric Sample

- 1. 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric—0 Wash
- 2. 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric—50 Washes

Name of Test: Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity by AATCC 100-2012
Test Inoculum: Clostridium difficile ATCC 9689 (2.00×10⁵CFU/ml)
Additional Test Information:

- 1. Sample size: 48 mm discs
- 2. No. of Swatches used: 7
- 3. Method of Sterilisation of sample: Free steaming
- 4. Inoculum Carrier: Phosphate Buffered water
- 5. Neutraliser: DE Broth
- 6. Growth Medium: Columbia anaerobic sheep blood agar
- 7. Incubation conditions: Anaerobic chamber at 37° C.


	No. of Bacteria per sample (CFU/Sample)

Sample		Inoculated Sample	Inoculated Sample	Percentage Reduction
Identification	Test Culture	at 0 hours (B)	at 24 hours (A)	of Microorganism (R)

2060- Silaide	Clostridium	1.23 × 10⁵	8.00 × 10²	99.34
Treated Fabric -	difficile
(0 wash)
2060- Silaide		1.18 × 10⁵	2.10 × 10⁴	82.2
Treated Fabric -
(50 washes)

Remarks:

Fabric labeled as 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric (0 wash) has shown 99.34% antimicrobial activity; Fabric 2060-Silaide Treated Fabric (50 washes) has shown 82.20% antimicrobial activity towards Clostridium difficile respectively when analyzed as per AATCC 100-2012 test method.
A gown illustrative of one embodiment of the present invention and suitable for wear by a medical patient is disclosed in FIG. 5 of the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIG. 5, hospital gown 100 desirably comprises front panel 102, rear panel 104 (providing full coverage for all areas typically exposed during wear of a conventional hospital gown that ties behind the neck and is open down the back), shoulder seams 106, 116, side seams 108, 118, chest access pocket 114, and a plurality of spaced-apart, quick release, non-metal snap closures 110, 112, 120, 122. The seams are easily accessible and the quick release closures permit each seam to be opened along its entire length to access the patient's body or to remove the gown from the patient when an urgent medical need arises. Hospital gown 100 is also desirably made from a textile that is treated in accordance with the present invention to inhibit the growth and replication of pathogenic microbes through multiple uses and laundering cycles as would be expected within a hospital environment.
Although a treated textile-containing product in the form of a hospital gown is depicted in the accompanying FIG. 5, it will be appreciated upon reading this disclosure that the same technology, methods and treating compositions can similarly be applied to other textile-containing products. Such products can include, for example and without limitation, other outer garments, underwear, linens, blankets, curtains, towels, washcloths, furniture coverings, seat coverings, table cloths, aprons and towels used in medical and dental facilities, schools, publicly used buildings, food preparation areas, public transportation, and the like.
Other alterations and modifications of the invention will likewise become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this specification in view of the accompanying drawings, and it is intended that the scope of the invention disclosed herein be limited only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims to which the inventor(s) and/or Applicant are legally entitled.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A textile treated in a liquid bath to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbe, the liquid bath having a pH not greater than about 6.5 and comprising:

a liquid carrier; and

an aqueous treating composition further comprising water, a finely divided, metallic component dispersed in the water, and a miscible polymeric component metal complex dissolved or dispersed in water to create an aqueous solution or suspension;

wherein the liquid carrier is a buffering agent;

wherein the polymeric component is a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, and mixtures thereof; and

wherein the metallic component is selected from a group of metal-containing compounds comprising titanium, zinc and silver in the form of a water soluble, insoluble or amphoteric powder, filler or salt.

2. The textile of claim 1 wherein the metal-containing compound is selected from the group consisting of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silver chloride and silver nitrate.

3. The textile of claim 1 wherein the polymeric component is a polymer or copolymer comprising a polyolefin.

4. The textile of claim 1 wherein the polymeric component is a polymer or copolymer comprising a polyester.

5. The textile of claim 1 wherein the polymeric component is a polymer or copolymer comprising a polyamide.

6. The textile of claim 1 wherein the polymeric component is a polymer or copolymer comprising polyacrylamide.

7. The textile of claim 1 wherein the polymeric component is a polymer or copolymer comprising polybutylene terephthalate.

8. The textile of claim 1 wherein the metallic component will remain present on the treated textile in an amount sufficient to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes for repeated wash cycles.

9. The textile of claim 8 wherein the metallic component will remain present on the treated textile in an amount sufficient to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes for at least 25 wash cycles.

10. The textile of claim 8 wherein the metallic component will remain present on the treated textile in an amount sufficient to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes for at least 50 wash cycles.

11. The textile of claim 8 wherein each wash cycle is performed in water having a temperature of at least about 170° F. for about 20 minutes.

12. The textile of claim 1 wherein the liquid carrier comprises acetic acid.

13. The textile of claim 1 wherein the pathogenic microbes include at least one of Enterococci (E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, E. casseliflavus), Staphylococci (S. aureus), CNS (Coagulase-Negative Stapholococci) and Escherichia. coli.

14. The textile of claim 1 that is sterilized either prior to or subsequent to treating the textile in the liquid bath.

15. The textile of claim 1 that is saturated or coated while treating the textile in the liquid bath.

16. The textile of claim 1 wherein the textile is treated by dipping the textile in the liquid bath.

17. The textile of claim 1 that is calendered to a desired moisture content following treatment in the liquid bath.

18. The textile of claim 1 when dried to a desired moisture content following treatment in the liquid bath.

19. The textile of claim 17 when dried to a desired moisture content following calendering.

20. A method for treating yarns, fibers or textiles in a liquid bath to coat and bind to thereby inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes on the yarns, fibers or textiles, the method comprising:

selecting a yarn, fiber or textile for treating,

coating, dipping or saturating the yarn, fiber or textile in a composition comprising water, a polymeric component miscible in water, a finely divided metallic component comprising metal particles, powder or ions dissolved or dispersed in water and mixed with a liquid carrier to create an aqueous solution or suspension having a pH not greater than about 6.5;

wherein the polymeric component is selected from the group consisting of polymer or copolymers comprising polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides and mixtures thereof; and

wherein the metallic component is selected from a group of metal-containing compounds comprising titanium, zinc or silver in the form of a water soluble, insoluble or amphoteric powder, filler or salt

and thereafter reducing the moisture content of the treated yarn, fiber or textile to a predetermined acceptable level.

21. The method of claim 20 wherein the yarn, fiber or textile is sterilized prior to treating.

22. The method of claim 20 wherein the yarn, fiber or textile is sterilized subsequent to treating.

23. The method of claim 20 wherein the yarn, fiber or textile is brushed or softened prior to treating.

24. The method of claim 19 wherein the yarn, fiber or textile is calendered after it is coated, dipped or saturated in the composition.

25. The method of claim 20 wherein the yarn, fiber or textile is subsequently dried to a desired moisture content not exceeding about 10 weight percent of the yarn, fiber or textile.

26. A textile-containing product comprising:

a washable textile coated or saturated with a composition useful for treating yarns, fibers and textiles and textile-containing products to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes on the yarn, fiber, textile or textile-containing product, the composition further comprising a polymeric component, a finely divided metal component dissolved or dispersed in water and pre-mixed with the polymeric component, then mixed with a liquid carrier to create an aqueous solution or suspension buffered to have a pH not greater than about 6.5;

wherein the polymeric component is a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters and polyamides; and

wherein the metal is selected from a group of metal-containing compounds comprising titanium, zinc or silver in the form of a water soluble, insoluble or amphoteric powder, filler or salt.

27. The textile-containing product of claim 26 wherein the washable textile is brushed or softened prior to use.

28. The textile-containing product of claim 26 wherein the washable textile is sterilized prior to use.

29. The textile-containing product of claim 26 wherein an amount of the treating composition that is effective to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes on the washable textile is retained in or on the washable textile following repeated cycles of use and commercial laundering.

30. The textile-containing product of claim 29 wherein an amount of the treating composition that is effective to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes on the washable textile is retained in or on the washable textile following at least 25 cycles of use and commercial laundering.

31. The textile-containing product of claim 29 wherein an amount of the treating composition that is effective to inhibit the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes on the washable textile is retained in or on the washable textile following at least 50 cycles of use and commercial laundering.

32. The textile-containing product of claim 26 when configured as an item selected from the group consisting of: garments, underwear, bed linens, blankets, curtains, towels, washcloths, furniture coverings, seat coverings, table cloths and aprons.

33. The textile-containing product of claim 32 when configured as a hospital gown.

34. A hospital gown comprising a plurality of spaced-apart, releasable, non-metallic, snap closures disposed at locations enabling the gown to be opened and/or removed to provide ready access to identified areas of the anatomy of a patient as needed to administer medical treatment.

35. The hospital gown of claim 34 comprising a textile treated with a composition that inhibits the sustainability and growth of pathogenic microbes on the textile.

36. The hospital gown of claim 35 wherein the composition comprises a polymer/metal complex dissolved or dispersed in water and then mixed with a liquid carrier comprising a buffer to create an aqueous solution or suspension having a pH not greater than about 6.5;

wherein the polymer is selected from polymers or copolymers of the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters and polyamides; and

wherein the metal is selected from a group of metal-containing compounds comprising titanium, zinc or silver in the form of a water soluble, insoluble or amphoteric powder, filler, salt.