Spinnova’s materials for antimicrobial textiles

Spinnova, a company built from the start on research and innovation, is committed to advancing sustainable solutions through collaboration. This includes partnerships with academic institutions to explore new opportunities. One example is the work of Jun Liu, a doctoral student at the University of Jyväskylä, whose research focuses on antimicrobial textiles in collaboration with Spinnova.

Recent viral outbreaks and growing antibiotic resistance underscore the need for antimicrobial materials. Viruses and bacteria can persist on surfaces for extended periods, making everyday objects potential sources of infection. Conventional antimicrobial solutions often rely on chemicals or metals, which may pose health and environmental concerns. Researchers are therefore investigating safer, bio-based alternatives.

Together with Spinnova, Jun is developing fibres functionalised to exhibit antiviral and antibacterial properties as well as studied the mechanisms behind the antimicrobial actions. Early tests indicate that some materials are effective against a wide range of microbes, including coronaviruses, enteroviruses, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.

Jun’s research demonstrates that lignin-based extracts, byproducts of the wood industry, can inhibit microbial activity. Purified lignin from birch, wheat, and oat was tested, and results show these natural extracts reduce the infectivity of viruses and bacteria. Various products, proven to be antimicrobial in Jun’s tests, are being tested with SPINNOVA® fibre for their antimicrobial action.

Antimicrobial treatments can be incorporated directly into Spinnova’s fibre formulation, ensuring they become an integral part of the material. Due to Spinnova’s efficient process, everything added to the formulation ends up in the fibre. Fibre properties can also be customised through surface treatments, applied during spinning or later in a soft-finishing stage, offering additional ways to enhance functionality.

“The collaboration with Spinnova marked the beginning of my exciting PhD journey. Through this collaboration, I have learned immensely and truly enjoyed the process. Researching antimicrobial textiles has been both fascinating and rewarding, and knowing its strong real-world impact makes my work feel deeply meaningful,” comments Jun Liu, a doctoral student at the University of Jyväskylä.

“We truly appreciate Jun’s creativity and dedication throughout this research. Her work has opened new perspectives on how natural additives can enhance fibre functionality and ultimately enhance our everyday safety. These insights are invaluable for Spinnova as we continue to refine and improve the properties of our fibres, ensuring they meet the highest standards of performance and sustainability,” says Pia Vento, Laboratory Manager at Spinnova, who has guided Jun’s research from Spinnova’s side.

Jun’s work has also gained international recognition, winning the FORTHEM Researcher Grand Prix 2025, a science communication competition for PhD students.

Read Jun Liu's research here.