DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIBACTERIAL GAUZE BANDAGE FOR COTTAGE PRODUCTION.

Abstract

The present research sought to develop bandages with different weaving techniques using locally available yarns with the aim of developing the potentials for the production of suitable gauze bandage that have been administered with antimicrobial agents. Two types of yarns namely cotton and polyester were utilized for the present study. Selected yarns were woven on different type of looms (vertically and horizontally) using weaves at the Industrial Design studio of the Federal University of Technology, Akure and the Industrial Design department of Kogi State Polytechnic. The antimicrobial potencies of the herbal extract used, Chromonaela odorata and Vernonia amygdalina were analyzed in the Department of Microbiology Laboratory, FUTA. Similarly, the solubility, flammability and physio-chemical properties of the fibers utilized for the study was carried out. The results shown that the cotton ignited easily and are quickly in contact with flame while polyester melted and shrank on approaching flame, it burnt slowly. The solubility test indicates that cotton dissolves completely while polyester broke into pieces. Cotton under the microscope was flat while polyester was smooth and rod like. of looming, a more delicate, smoother and softer texture was achieved on the vertical loom compared to the horizontal loom. Physio-mechanical test for fibre, the result showed that A and B were made from cellulosic fibre (cotton) while C and D were made from synthetic fibre (polyester). In terms of the physic chemical properties of the plant extract Providential spp. had significantly higher zone than Pseudomonas sp. Both plant extracts used had the same effect on the inhibition zone while aqueous solvent was the most effective. A total of six bacteria were utilized. Bandage treated with aqueous Siam extract significantly hindered the growth of B. lichenformis bitter leaf aqueous extract. This research therefore demonstrates the possibility of making suitable bandages using locally sourced fibres and this will go a long way reducing overdependence on importation of foreign bandages.