Production of Natural Bamboo Fiber—2: Assessment and Comparison of Antibacterial Activity

Since fibers are strongly bonded in bamboo, extraction of fibers in their natural form is very difficult. This difficulty has favored viscose processing of bamboo. This study covers routes to produce spinnable natural bamboo fibers through eco-friendly processes, while retaining antibacterial and other innate properties. Natural bamboo fibers treated under mild conditions showed better antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus than the raw red margin bamboo plant ( Phyllostachys rubromarginata). Bamboo contains compounds that promote bacterial growth, as well as others that are antibacterial. If bacterial growth promoting soluble compounds are removed, antibacterial activity increases in natural bamboo fibers. Some antibacterial activity may even remain in viscose fiber made from bamboo. This study provides information on antibacterial activity in red margin bamboo, natural bamboo fibers, and commercial bamboo viscose.