Chitosan is a natural non-toxic biopolymer and is widely used in various fields because of the antimicrobial activities. In this study, the properties of nylon textiles grafted with chitosan oligomer or chitosan polymer after being activated by open air plasma were evaluated. Results showed that nylon textiles grafted with chitosan polymer had better antibacterial performances than those grafted with chitosan oligomer. Air plasma activation at a higher speed (26 m/min) for a few times facilitated the grafting of chitosan and critically determined the antibacterial activities. Further treatment with air plasma after grafting improved the antibacterial effect. Overall, chitosan-grafted nylon textiles showed good antibacterial potential as well as biocompatibility

Chitosan is a natural nontoxic biopolymer used widely in various fields due to the antimicrobial activities. In this study, the properties of polyester fabrics grafted with chitosan oligomers/polymers after being activated by atmospheric pressure plasmas were evaluated. The antibacterial effect was most evident when the surface of fabrics was activated by atmospheric pressure plasma for 60 to 120 seconds and grafted with chitosan oligomers. The modified fabrics also exhibited good biocompatibility. This process can be applied to a large area and used to produce antibacterial polymer fibers