In June 2024, researchers at Catholic University of Pusan, South Korea, conducted a groundbreaking study demonstrating the antimicrobial and antiviral properties of polyester fabric blended with copper yarn. Their findings confirm that copper-infused textiles can effectively inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and certain viruses, paving the way for practical applications in hygiene-sensitive environments.

This study serves as public knowledge, showcasing that antimicrobial fabric technology is not only possible but achievable today. The insights gained could influence industries such as healthcare, public transportation, clothing, and home textiles, where hygiene is crucial.

Why Copper-Infused Fabric?

Copper is well known for its natural antimicrobial properties. By integrating copper yarn into polyester fabric, researchers aimed to create a functional textile that actively prevents microbial contamination.

To assess its effectiveness, two types of copper-polyester blends were tested:

✅ Cu 50 – 50% copper yarn + polyester
✅ Cu 90 – 90% copper yarn + polyester

These fabrics were evaluated against:

• Bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Klebsiella pneumoniae)
• Yeast (Candida albicans)
• Fungi (Various strains)
• Virus (Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus - PEDV)

Key Findings

1️⃣ Rapid Antimicrobial Action Against Bacteria & Yeast

🔹 Cu 50 reduced microbial counts by over 5 log CFU/ml within 4 hours.
🔹 Cu 90 achieved the same reduction in just 1 hour, demonstrating faster effectiveness with higher copper content.

✔️ This confirms that copper-infused polyester fabric can actively eliminate harmful bacteria and yeast.

2️⃣ Strong Antifungal Performance

🍄 Cu 50 created a 2.67 mm inhibition zone, preventing fungal spread.
🍄 Cu 90 suppressed fungal growth directly on the fabric surface.

✔️ This means the fabric can resist fungal contamination, making it ideal for humid environments.

3️⃣ Moderate Antiviral Properties

Both Cu 50 and Cu 90 reduced virus concentration by 2 Log TCID50/ml within 6 hours. However, increasing copper content did not significantly improve antiviral performance.

✔️ This suggests copper textiles can aid in viral reduction, though further research is needed for stronger antiviral effects.

Public Awareness: A New Era of Antimicrobial Textiles

The findings from Catholic University of Pusan confirm that copper-infused fabric technology is viable today. This innovation opens possibilities for:

🏥 Medical textiles – Hospital linens, masks, scrubs
🚆 Public spaces – Upholstery for transportation and furniture
👕 Everyday wear – Socks, activewear, and uniforms
🛏 Home textiles – Bedsheets, towels, and curtains

By making these results public, we aim to raise awareness and encourage further development of copper-based antimicrobial fabrics. The future of textile hygiene is here—and it’s copper-powered.

#AntimicrobialTextiles #CopperFabric #HygienicInnovation #PublicKnowledge