Chemical Applications Interest Group Meeting: Mold and Mildew Prevention

Description

Chemical Applications Interest Group Members!

We will have 2 speakers for this meeting, who will focus their talks on the prevention of mold/mildew in textiles. 

Speaker 1:

Brady Carter – Novasina IG

Presentation Title: The Critical Role of Water Activity in Preventing Mold Growth in Textiles

Abstract: Mold growth in textiles remains a significant challenge throughout manufacturing, storage, transportation, and distribution, often leading to product loss, quality issues, and supply chain disruption. While the textile industry has traditionally relied on moisture-content and conductivity-based measurements to evaluate fabric dryness, these methods do not accurately predict microbial stability. This presentation highlights the critical role of water activity (aw) as the scientifically relevant parameter governing mold growth. Water activity measures the energy of water and determines if microorganisms can access water for biological processes. This provides a direct indication of mold susceptibility, regardless of fiber type or moisture content. Results demonstrate that most textiles exhibit water activity levels well below the practical mold-growth threshold of 0.70 aw under normal conditions; however, exposure to elevated environmental humidity during storage and transport can rapidly increase water activity to unsafe levels, even when traditional moisture measurements remain within acceptable limits. Understanding and controlling water activity enables textile manufacturers to establish more effective mold-prevention strategies, optimize packaging and storage conditions, and reduce mold-related losses across the supply chain Learning Objectives: The scientific importance of water activity in textile materials. The development of a practical and repeatable method for measuring water activity in fabrics. The limitations of conductivity-based moisture measurement systems commonly used in the textile industry. The influence of temperature and environmental humidity on textile water activity. The critical role of humidity exposure during storage and transportation in promoting mold contamination. How water activity can be used to establish more effective mold-prevention strategies throughout the textile supply chain

Speaker Bio: Dr. Brady Carter (brady.carter@novasina.com) is a Senior Research Scientist with Novasina. He specializes in water activity, moisture sorption, moisture determination, and shelf-life. Dr. Carter earned his Ph.D. and M.S Degree in Food Engineering and Crop Science from Washington State University and a B.A. Degree in Botany from Weber State University. He has 24 years of experience in research and development as well as scientific support. He has been the instructor for training seminars in over 23 different countries and has provided on-site training for companies around the world. He has authored over 20 white papers on water activity, moisture sorption isotherms, and complete moisture analysis. He has participated in hundreds of extension presentations and has given talks at numerous scientific conferences. He developed the shelf-life simplified paradigm and hygrothermal time shelf-life model and enjoys applying water activity to shelf-life prediction and optimization.

Speaker 2:

Andrea Rüfenacht – Sanitized AG

Presentation Title: Mildew Formation on Textiles and its Prevention

Abstract: Mildew formation on textiles poses a significant challenge for the entire textile supply chain regarding quality, durability, and economic viability. This presentation provides insight into the conditions that foster fungal growth and identifies critical risk points during manufacturing, transport, and storage. Antimicrobial technologies play a crucial role in reducing the risk of mold; their mechanisms of action, performance, and durability are briefly outlined. The presentation also focuses on the testing of modern antimicrobial finishes, considering both biocidal and non-biocidal approaches. Using industry-standard test methods and practical case studies, it demonstrates why effective moisture management remains the primary protective measure against mold and how antimicrobial technologies can be integrated into a comprehensive prevention strategy.

Speaker Bio: Andrea Rüfenacht earned her PhD in Biochemistry (focusing on algal development) from the University of Bern, Switzerland. She has over 30 years of experience in industrial microbiology, microbial stability testing, and public-private research collaborations regarding biofilm formation—spanning both industry and academia. Andrea joined Sanitized AG three years ago as Microbiology Team Leader, overseeing the service laboratory. The lab provides testing services to textile customers to ensure optimal protective solutions and supports the Innovation & Development division. She is also active in international committees, including the International Biodeterioration Research Group (IBRG).