Stabilization of Silver Nanoparticles on Polyester Fabric Using Organo-Matrices for Controlled Antimicrobial...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Antimicrobial textiles are crucial for combating multidrug-resistant pathogens and hospital-acquired infections.
• Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) offer antimicrobial properties but raise safety concerns regarding release and stability.
• Polyester (PES) fabric's lack of functional groups limits controlled release of antimicrobial agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize polyester (PES) fabric with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using biocompatible chitosan or HMDSO layers.
• To enhance AgNP stability, control their release, and ensure antimicrobial efficacy.
• To evaluate the biocompatibility and antimicrobial performance of the functionalized textiles.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of PES fabric with AgNPs using one or two layers of chitosan or HMDSO.
• Stabilization of AgNPs within organo-matrices to prevent oxidation and control release.
• Testing antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
• Assessing biocompatibility via cytotoxicity tests on HaCaT cells.

Main Results:

• Layered AgNP-functionalized PES fabrics demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli.
• The two-layer chitosan sample showed the highest efficacy, with log reductions of 4.81 (3h) and 7.27 (5h) against E. coli, and retained activity after washing.
• Samples with HMDSO also exhibited controlled antimicrobial effects, with improved stability and biocompatibility (cell viability >96%).

Conclusions:

• Functionalizing PES fabric with AgNPs using chitosan or HMDSO layers creates effective and biocompatible antimicrobial textiles.
• The developed materials offer controlled release of AgNPs, enhanced stability, and reduced environmental release.
• These nanocomposites show significant potential for applications in advanced medical textiles.