the present invention describes a novel antibacterial treatment on textile materials using polymeric core - shell particles dispersing in water . these particles are prepared from a surfactant - free emulsion polymerization according to the method of u . s . pat . no . 6 , 573 , 313 and have average particle sizes in the range of 100 to 1000 nm in diameter . when applied to a textile article , the particles form a uniform coating , which prevents the growth of bacteria and microbes . the treatment does not affect the fabric mechanical properties , hand feeling and appearance . antibacterial activity on cotton is maintained even after 50 times of home laundering .