Stabilization of Silver Nanoparticles on Polyester Fabric Using Organo-Matrices for Controlled Antimicrobial Performance

Abstract

Antimicrobial textiles are helpful tools to fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens and nosocomial infections. The deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto textiles has been studied to achieve antimicrobial properties. Yet, due to health and environmental safety concerns associated with such formulations, processing optimizations have been introduced: biocompatible materials, environmentally friendly agents, and delivery platforms that ensure a controlled release. In particular, the functionalization of polyester (PES) fabric with antimicrobial agents is a formulation in high demand in medical textiles. However, the lack of functional groups on PES fabric hinders the development of cost-effective, durable systems that allow a controlled release of antimicrobial agents. In this work, PES fabric was functionalized with AgNPs using one or two biocompatible layers of chitosan or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The addition of organo-matrices stabilized the AgNPs onto the fabrics, protected AgNPs from further oxidation, and controlled their release. In addition, the layered samples were efficient against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The sample with two layers of chitosan showed the highest efficacy against S. aureus (log reduction of 2.15 ± 1.08 after 3 h of contact). Against E. coli, the sample with two layers of chitosan showed the best properties. Chitosan allowed to control the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs, avoid the complete loss of AgNPs after washings and act in synergy with AgNPs. After 3 h of incubation, this sample presented a log reduction of 4.81, and 7.27 of log reduction after 5 h of incubation. The antimicrobial results after washing showed a log reduction of 3.47 and 4.88 after 3 h and 5 h of contact, respectively. Furthermore, the sample with a final layer of HMDSO also presented a controlled antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial effect was slower than the sample with just an initial layer of HMDSO, with a log reduction of 4.40 after 3 h of incubation (instead of 7.22) and 7.27 after 5 h. The biocompatibility of the composites was confirmed through the evaluation of their cytotoxicity towards HaCaT cells (cells viability > 96% in all samples). Therefore, the produced nanocomposites could have interesting applications in medical textiles once they present controlled antimicrobial properties, high biocompatibility and avoid the complete release of AgNPs to the environment.

Coloration with nanoparticles: Scope for developing simultaneous colouring and functional properties onto textile surfaces—a short review

“…33 Meanwhile, five different commercial textile fibres like untreated cotton, chemically bleached cotton, sheep's wool, polyamide (from sport socks) and polyester (from sport hat) are modified via in situ formation of AgNPs onto the textile fibre surfaces in a chemical reduction of sequestered silver ions to impart antimicrobial properties. 34 In this continuation, an advanced technique 35 is explored to functionalise the polyester fabric for the controlled release of antimicrobial agents, which has a significant application in medical textiles. In this case, polyester textiles are treated with AgNPs in the presence of chitosan or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and this kind of addition of organo-matrices helps to stabilise the AgNPs onto the fabric surfaces, protect them from further oxidation and subsequently controls the release of AgNPs.…”

Hybrid Materials with Antimicrobial Properties Based on Hyperbranched Polyaminopropylalkoxysiloxanes Embedded with Ag Nanoparticles

“…At the same time, they serve as one of the main means of spreading pathogenic microorganisms, since they do not have bactericidal properties. In this regard, the creation of modern technologies for the production of antibacterial materials is an urgent task [ 21 , 22 , 23 ].…”

Surface Functionalization of Polyester Textiles for Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties

“…To create technological materials and prevent the degradation caused by microorganisms, functionalizing textiles using antimicrobial finishing compounds has been widely employed. These textiles may be used in various applications to limit microbial growth and, consequently, unpleasant odors, stains, infections, a decline in the mechanical qualities of the textile, and cross-contamination [1]. Microorganisms may persist for lengthy periods on inanimate "touch" surfaces.…”