PolyU develops reusable isolation gowns that can sustain 30 washes

A research team of Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) at PolyU has developed a reusable isolation gown that can maintain 90% of its antibacterial effect after being washed for 30 times.

According to Prof. Kan Chi-wai of ITC, the leader of the team, the reusable gown can resist virus and bacteria like COVID-19, Escherichia coli., Staphylococcus aureus and H1N1. He remarks that the antibacterial effect is indeed still acceptable for the use in places like residential care homes where the risk of infection is relatively low after being washed for up to 104 times. However, he adds, the gown would be worn off after so many washes, therefore he suggests 30 washes should be the limit to replace them.

The team has secured a funding of about HK$1.7 million from the Special Call for Projects for the Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 of the Innovation and Technology Commission for the development of reusable isolation gowns that can be used in environments such as residential care homes.

Prof. Kan says that unlike disposable isolation gowns, which are highly protective but unbreathable, their novel reusable gowns are made by applying antibacterial coating on cotton fibric, so ensuring they are comfortable.

The reusable gown was first developed in 2018. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ITC team has added a waterproof coating on the gown to bounce off droplets. Prof. Kan explains that the coronavirus is usually wrapped inside droplets, therefore the risk of infection would be increased if moisture is allowed to leave on the clothes.

As to the cost, Prof. Kan says the cost of a disposable gown is about HK$10, hence HK$300 for 30 gowns. But the cost of the reusable gown is definitely lower than that.