dyed , absorbent bioactive wettable fabrics are prepared by mixing together a wettable hydrophilic organosilicone polymer , a tinctorial amount of a compatible direct dye and a bioactive silyl quanternary amine . the mixture is applied to a non - woven cellulose - containing substrate then heated to dye the coated substrate , fix the dye and couple the microbiocide and hydrophilic coupling agent to the substrate . fabric so produced is useful as an absorbent surgical drape or dressing to isolate a surgical incision site while providing an absorbent antimicrobial field to destroy migrating and cross - contaminating bacteria , algae and fungi .