Synbiotic textile finishing for allergen reduction

HeiQ Allergen Tech™ uses active probiotics on the textile surface to help continuously reduce exposure to common allergens, including dust mite matter, pet allergens, and pollen.

The porous biopolymer matrix acts as a carrier and protective environment for the probiotics on the textile surface. It helps keep the non-modified, spore-forming Bacillus strains stable, evenly distributed, and active over time. The microorganisms support ongoing interaction with allergen particles on the fabric surface, contributing to continuous allergen reduction while maintaining durability and fabric performance.

The controlled slow-release system gradually activates and delivers the probiotics over time. This supports continuous interaction with allergen particles on the textile surface and helps maintain a durable allergen-reducing effect.

HeiQ’s biotechnology platform uses nature derived polymers, prebiotic, probiotic, and postbiotic ingredients and translates natural and biological processes into scalable product technologies across textiles, home care, personal care, water, and animal care. By combining biology, chemistry, and materials science, HeiQ applies nature‑inspired mechanisms, including microbiome‑based systems, bio‑based encapsulation, and functional finishes, to deliver reliable performance across multiple industries.

HeiQ Allergen Tech™ performance is evaluated using specific biological and allergen-reduction test methods that verify both the activity of the technology and its effectiveness on textiles. The key test methods include:

• QGT (Quantitative Growth Test): Measures the number of viable synbiotic spores (CFU/g) and correlates to the BMA allergen reduction performance test. This test can be executed at any microbiology lab. 

Yes. Different textile finishes can be combined on the same fabric to deliver multiple effects at once. The key is formulation and process control. Finishes must be compatible and engineered to work side‑by‑side during application and remain stable during use and washing. Well‑designed combinations extend fabric functionality without changing how the textile feels or behaves in daily wear. For example, a garment can manage moisture while also reducing odour build‑up.