Chitosan-organosilica hybrid decorated with silver nanoparticles for antimicrobial wearable cotton fabrics

Functional cotton fabrics using silver-based nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted a lot of attention as a new generation of healthcare wearable textile. In this study, cotton fabrics were coated via impregnation with silver nanoparticles using chitosan (Cs) and (or) chitosan-organosilica (Cs-OSH) solutions as adhesives matrices. The physicochemical properties were studied using UV-VIS spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy methods (SEM-EDX). The antibacterial activity of the silver-treated fabrics was determined using agar diffusion method. However, nanosize spherical AgNPs were observed in Cs and Cs-OSH solution. The average particle diameter was around 10 nm for Cs/AgNPs sample and close 21 nm for Cs-OSH/AgNPs. Microscopy images showed the deposition of Ag NPs on the surface of cotton fibers. The results indicated that the cotton fibers treated with Cs-OSH/AgNPs solution showed good stability against washing and maintained higher antimicrobial activity even after being exposed to 10 consecutive home laundering conditions. Thus, this work suggests the use of chitosan-organosilicon matrix to improve the bonding between AgNPs and cotton fibers for better and long-term antimicrobial activity.