Sericin–copper-functionalized silk fabrics for enhanced ultraviolet protection and antibacterial properties using response surface methodology

Abstract

This study investigated the enhancement of the ultraviolet (UV) protection and antibacterial properties of functionalized silk fabrics using a simple, inexpensive and environmental friendly approach. We demonstrated the in situ synthesis of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in a silk sericin (SS) matrix, using ascorbic acid as both a reducing agent and antioxidant. Development and optimization was achieved using a central composite design (CCD) in conjunction with the response surface methodology (RSM). The goal was to identify the concentrations of CuSO4 and SS that produced the optimal balance between UV protection and antibacterial activity, when tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The SS-CuNP bio-nanocomposites were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Statistical analyses indicated that an empirical second-order polynomial could accurately describe the UV protective factor, % reduction of S. aureus and % reduction of E. coli. The three-dimensional response surface graphs showed that the optimal concentrations of CuSO4 and SS were 2380 and 9500 ppm, respectively. To confirm that the levels identified using RSM were optimal in practice, performance evaluations were conducted. These investigated the durability and stability of UV protection and antibacterial activity after repeated washing cycles. The results suggest that these bio-nanocomposites have great potential for the multifunctionalization of silk fibers.

Optimization of Mechanical and Thermal Properties of iPP and LMPP Blend Fibres by Surface Response Methodology

“…In recent years, RSM has been widely used for establishing the optimum input parameters in different manufacturing applications, especially in the domain of textiles and polymeric materials. For instance, it has been used in maximizing processing parameters of chemical finishing of flame retardant textiles [12], eco-friendly textile finish [13], antibacterial silk fabric [14], biodegradable plastic pellets by melt extrusion [15], enhance propylene polymerization [16], mechanical finishing to improve properties of PP composites [17], adhesion of PP based extrusions [18], and so on. Compared to other statistical experimental design methods, RSM reduces the number of experiment trials, which are needed to assess various parameters and their interactions while building models [19].…”

Multifunctional Dyeing of Wool Fabrics Using Selenium Nanoparticles

“…Skin diseases, including allergies, premature skin aging, sunburn, and skin cancer, can occur due to skin exposure to UV irradiation. A great number of approaches were done to protect human skin against the harmful effects of UV irradiation using nanoparticles [ 60 , 61 , 62 ]. Therefore, the UV-blocking properties of the wool fabrics dyed with Se-NPs were evaluated.…”

Biopolymer-containing formulations to render acrylic fabrics fire resistant and anti-static

“…Due to its unique characteristics, including biocompatibility, hygroscopicity, biodegradability, and non-toxicity, sericin was used in various elds, such as medicine, pharmacology, cosmetics, tissue engineering, and air and water puri cation [19]. In the textile elds, sericin has been used for felt-proo ng wool [20], enhancing the printability of wool [21], improving the comfortability of polyester [22], and imparting ultraviolet protection to silk bers [23].…”