Antimicrobial films, sponges and sponge cloths

Antimicrobial film based on biopolymers, in particular cellulose and/or protein, or uncoated or coated textile material, and also an antimicrobial sponge or an antimicrobial sponge cloth based on regenerated or precipitated cellulose are provided. The film, the sponge or the sponge cloth is impregnated or coated with at least one α-amino acid ester, the α-amino group of which is acylated with a fatty acid, or the corresponding hydrochloride, and the α-amino acid ester is bound covalently, optionally also ionically, to the film, the sponge or the sponge cloth. The acylated α-amino acid ester is preferably N-lauroyl-L-arginine ethyl ester monohydrochloride (LAECI), N-lauroyl-L-arginine methyl ester monohydrochloride (LAMCI) or N-lauroyl-L-lysine ethyl ester hydrochloride (LLECI). The film is preferably in the form of a flexible tube and is provided as casing for foods, especially sausage products.