Virucidal and Bactericidal Properties of Biocompatible Copper Textiles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Infectious Disease Control
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Emerging viruses and antimicrobial resistance necessitate novel infection control strategies.
• Anti-pathogenic textile coatings present a promising solution to mitigate pathogen transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the anti-pathogenic efficacy of three electroless copper-plated fabrics.
• To determine the influence of catalyst activation methods on anti-pathogenic performance.

Main Methods:

• Three fabrics were activated using different catalyst methods (Pd immersion, inkjet printing on weft/warp).
• Electroless copper plating was applied to activated fabrics.
• Anti-pathogenic properties were assessed against bacteria, fungi, and viruses using ISO standards.
• Biocompatibility and accelerated aging tests were performed.

Main Results:

• All treated fabrics achieved complete bactericidal/fungicidal neutralization within 30 minutes.
• Material B (inkjet-printed Cu/Ag catalyst on weft) showed up to 4-log virucidal effects within 1 hour against tested viruses.
• Material B demonstrated low in vitro cytotoxicity and maintained strong antibacterial efficacy against MRSA after one year of accelerated aging.

Conclusions:

• The catalyst activation method significantly impacts the anti-pathogenic performance of copper-plated textiles.
• Material B offers a durable and effective solution for infection control in clinical settings.
• These findings suggest potential for reducing pathogen transmission, healthcare-associated infections, and associated economic burdens.