Antibacterial Bio-Nanocomposite Textile Material Produced from Natural Resources

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Growing demand for sustainable and green technologies necessitates efficient utilization of natural resources.
• Antibacterial textiles are crucial for hygiene and preventing infections.
• Copper-based nanostructures offer potent antimicrobial properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a sustainable antibacterial textile nanocomposite using cotton and peat fibers.
• To immobilize copper-based nanostructures onto the textile substrate for enhanced antibacterial activity.
• To optimize the nanocomposite for maximum antibacterial efficacy and controlled ion release.

Main Methods:

• Substrate activation (corona discharge) and chitosan coating for improved wettability and ion affinity.
• In situ synthesis of copper nanostructures using gallic or ascorbic acid as reducing agents.
• Characterization using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
• Antibacterial efficacy testing against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.
• Assessment of copper ion release and biodegradation suppression.

Main Results:

• Formation of copper nanosheets and nanoparticles (Cu2O and CuO) on the textile surface.
• Higher precursor concentration increased copper content in the nanocomposite.
• Most synthesized nanocomposites showed significant reduction in E. coli and S. aureus.
• Optimal antibacterial activity achieved with high deacetylation chitosan, 1 mM CuSO4, and gallic acid.
• Copper nanostructures partially inhibited textile biodegradation in soil.

Conclusions:

• A novel antibacterial textile nanocomposite based on cotton, peat, and copper nanostructures was successfully developed.
• The optimized nanocomposite exhibits strong antibacterial activity against key pathogens with controlled copper ion release.
• This material presents a promising sustainable solution for antibacterial textiles, contributing to green technology advancements.