Novel Core-Shell Nanostructure of ε-Poly-L-lysine and Polyamide-6 Polymers for Reusable and Durable Antimicrobial...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biotechnology
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Textiles require antimicrobial properties for safety, preventing microbial growth.
• Existing antimicrobial textiles often lack non-toxicity, stability, and durability.
• Core-shell nanofibers offer a promising approach for enhanced antimicrobial textile functionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize core-shell nanofibers with durable antimicrobial properties.
• To compare the antimicrobial efficacy and stability of monolithic, core-shell, and thermally crosslinked core-shell nanofibers.
• To establish a safe, stable, and scalable antimicrobial textile system.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of core-shell nanofibers with ε-poly-L-lysine (PL) core and polyamide-6 (PA) shell.
• Morphological analysis using SEM to confirm nanofiber structure.
• Antimicrobial testing via zone of inhibition assays over 21 days.
• Thermal crosslinking of core-shell nanofibers to enhance stability.

Main Results:

• Core-shell nanofibers were successfully synthesized with confirmed structure.
• All samples demonstrated hydrophilic behavior and antimicrobial activity.
• Core-shell and crosslinked core-shell nanofibers exhibited sustained antimicrobial function over 21 days, unlike the control.
• Thermally crosslinked core-shell nanofibers showed reusable antimicrobial properties.

Conclusions:

• Core-shell nanofiber structure enhances the durability and sustainability of antimicrobial textiles.
• Thermal crosslinking further improves the reusability and stability of antimicrobial nanofibers.
• This study presents a viable pathway for developing safe, stable, and scalable antimicrobial textiles.