Effect of Cu Modified Textile Structures on Antibacterial and Antiviral Protection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Textile structures are engineered for diverse applications, including medicine and technical goods, by incorporating bioactive and functional properties.
• Modifying textiles with elements like copper (Cu) can impart antimicrobial and antiviral functionalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial and antiviral efficacy of copper-sputtered polyester/polyamide (PET/Cu) and cotton (CO/Cu) fabrics.
• To assess the impact of copper sputtering on the comfort-related properties of the modified textile structures.

Main Methods:

• Two woven textile structures, PET/Cu and CO/Cu, were prepared using magnetron sputtering with copper.
• Antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia.
• Antiviral activity was assessed against vaccinia virus (VACV), herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), influenza A virus H1N1 (IFV), and mouse coronavirus (MHV).
• Comfort parameters including surface properties, thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, water vapor transport, and air permeability were evaluated.

Main Results:

• Both PET/Cu and CO/Cu fabrics demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against tested Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
• CO/Cu fabric exhibited significant antiviral activity against VACV, HSV-1, and IFV, with weaker activity against MHV.
• PET/Cu fabric showed limited antiviral activity against HSV-1 and MHV.
• Copper sputtering increased hydrophobicity, reduced surface free energy, improved thermal conductivity and diffusivity, and facilitated water vapor transport without decreasing air permeability.
• No significant toxicity was observed for the modified fabrics.

Conclusions:

• Copper sputtering effectively enhances the bioactive properties of PET and CO textiles, providing robust antibacterial and notable antiviral functionalities.
• The modifications improve key comfort parameters, suggesting potential for advanced medical textiles, protective clothing, and technical applications.
• The developed Cu-sputtered fabrics offer a promising platform for creating functional textiles with enhanced antimicrobial and antiviral performance and improved comfort characteristics.