Application of Stimuli Responsive Microgel for Creation of Smart Cotton Fabric with Antibacterial Properties

Abstract

Temperature and pH responsive microgel, based on poly-N-isopropylacrylamide and chitosan (PNCS) was studied, as possible carrier for antimicrobials on cotton fabric, to create smart stimuli responsive antimicrobial active textiles. Among antimicrobials 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride (Si-QAC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNP) were chosen and applied to cotton fabric subsequently after the deposition of PNCS microgel. Infl uence of Si-QAC and AgNP on the swelling/deswelling activity of the PNCS microgel was obtained by temperature and pH responsiveness, along with determination of antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Even though Si-QAC slightly infl uenced swelling ability of the PNCS microgel and incorporation of AgNP reduced its amount on the surface of the fi bres, PNCS microgel proved to be a suitable carrier of antimicrobial agents, thus imparting moisture management properties with eff ective controlled release of Si-QAC and AgNP. This provided excellent antimicrobial activity against tested bacteria, triggered by the change of temperature and pH of the surroundings.

Medical textiles based on viscose rayon fabrics coated with chitosan-encapsulated iodine: antibacterial and antioxidant properties

“…The antimicrobial activity is expressed as reduction ( R = %) of the organism after contact with the test specimen, compared to the number of bacterial cells surviving after contact with the control. 36,39 Microbiological testing was performed at the National Laboratory for Health, Environment and Food, Maribor, Slovenia.…”