Superhydrophobic conductive textiles with antibacterial property by coating fibers with silver nanoparticles

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were produced on cotton fibers by reduction of [Ag(NH₃)₂]⁺ complex with glucose. Further modification of the fibers coated by Ag NPs with hexadecyltrimethoxysilane led to superhydrophobic cotton textiles. Scanning electron microscopy images of the textiles showed that the treated fibers were covered with uniform Ag NPs, which generate a dual-size roughness on the textiles favouring the formation of superhydrophobic surfaces, and the Ag NPs formed dense coating around the fibers rendering the intrinsic insulating cotton textiles conductive. Antibacterial test showed that the as-fabricated textiles had high antibacterial activity against the gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli. These multifunctional textiles might find applications in biomedical electronic devices.     

Imparting superhydrophobic and biocidal functionalities to a polymeric substrate by the sonochemical method

Multifunctional substrates with superhydrophobic and biocidal properties are gaining interest for a wide range of applications; however, the production of such surfaces remains challenging. Here, the sonochemical method is utilized to impart superhydrophobicity and antimicrobial properties to a polyethylene (PE) sheet. This is achieved by sonochemically depositing nanoparticles (NPs) of a hydrophobic fluoro-polymer (FP) on the PE sheets. The polymer is a flexible, transparent fluoroplastic composed of tetrafluoroethylene, hexafluoropropylene and vinylidene fluoride in the form of a powder. The NPs of polymers are generated and deposited on the surface of the PE using ultrasound irradiation. Optimizing the process results in a homogeneous distribution of 110–200 nm of NPs on the PE surface. The coated surface displays a water-contact angle of 160°, indicating excellent superhydrophobicity. This superhydrophobic surface shows high stability under outdoor conditions for two months, which is essential for various applications. In addition, metal-oxide nanoparticles (CuO or ZnO NPs) were integrated into the polymer coating to achieve antibacterial properties and increase the surface roughness. The metal oxides were also deposited sonochemically. The antibacterial activity of the FP@ZnO and FP@CuO PE composites was tested against the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the results show that the FP@CuO PE can effectively eradicate the bacteria. This study highlights the feasibility of using the sonochemical method to deposit two separate functions, opening up new possibilities for producing “smart” novel surfaces.     

Tannic acid NPs – Synthesis and immobilization onto a solid surface in a one-step process and their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties

Tannic acid nanoparticles were synthesized from an aqueous solution without the use of stabilizers via a sonochemical process. In order to avoid the dissolution of the formed nanoparticles, the sonochemical reaction was performed in the presence of a cotton fabric: following their formation, the tannic acid nanoparticles were embedded into the cotton substrate in a one-step process. The bioactive properties of the tannic acid coated surface were examined towards the inhibition of myeloperoxidase and collagenase, two major enzymes related with inflammatory processes. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the tannic acid nanoparticles coated textiles was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Sonochemical fabrication of edible fragrant antimicrobial nano coating on textiles and polypropylene cups

We report on a simple and effective ultrasound-assisted deposition of vanillin nanoparticles (∼50 nm in size), raspberry ketone (RK) nanoparticles (∼40 nm in size) and camphor nanoparticles (width ∼30 nm, length ∼40 nm in size) on textiles and on polypropylene surfaces. The excellent antibacterial and antifungal activity of the fragrant coatings on cotton bandages, and polypropylene surface against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella paratyphi A (S. paratyphi A) and the yeast Candida albicans (C. albicans) cultures was demonstrated. It is worth pointing out that these fragrant materials are edible, making them very useful for packaging. The mechanism of the edible fragrant coating formation and adhesion to the textile was discussed, and finally an up-scaling of the sonochemical process for textile coating was carried out.     

Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles: application to textiles as UV-absorbers

We report the synthesis and characterization of nanosized zinc oxide particles and their application on cotton and wool fabrics for UV shielding. The nanoparticles were produced in different conditions of temperature (90 or 150 °C) and reacting medium (water or 1,2-ethanediol). A high temperature was necessary to obtain small monodispersed particles. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray powder diffractometry (XRD) were used to characterize the nanoparticles composition, their shape, size and crystallinity. The specific surface area of the dry powders was also determined. ZnO nanoparticles were then applied to cotton and wool samples to impart sunscreen activity to the treated textiles. The effectiveness of the treatment was assessed through UV–Vis spectrophotometry and the calculation of the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Physical tests (tensile strength and elongation) were performed on the fabrics before and after the treatment with ZnO nanoparticles.     

Fabrication and characterization chitosan/functionalized zinc oxide bionanocomposites and study of their antibacterial activity

This study deals with preparation and evaluation of properties of chitosan/zinc oxide bionanocomposites (CT/ZnO BNCs) with different amounts of modified zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through ultrasonic irradiation technique. Due to the high surface energy and tendency for agglomeration, the surface ZnO NPs was modified by a coupling agent as 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) to form APS–ZnO nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed that APS was successfully grafted onto the ZnO nanoparticles surface. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a surface coverage of the coupling molecule of 2.6 wt%. The resulting bionanocomposites were characterized by FTIR spectra, X-ray diffraction patterns, and TGA. The antibacterial activity of bionanocomposite films was tested against gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The results of CT/ZnO BNCs revealed that the thermal and antibacterial properties obviously improved the presence of ZnO NPs in comparison with the pure CT and that this increase is higher when the NP content increases. Further, it was observed that antibacterial activity of the resulting hybrid biofilms showed somewhat higher for gram-positive bacteria compared to gram-negative bacteria.     

Ultrasound mediation for one-pot sonosynthesis and deposition of magnetite nanoparticles on cotton/polyester fabric as a novel magnetic,photocatalytic, sonocatalytic,antibacterial and antifungal textile

A magnetic cotton/polyester fabric with photocatalytic, sonocatalytic, antibacterial and antifungal activities was successfully prepared through in-situ sonosynthesis method under ultrasound irradiation. The process involved the oxidation of Fe²⁺ to Fe³⁺ via hydroxyl radicals generated through bubbles collapse in ultrasonic bath. The treated samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. Photocatalytic and sonocatalytic activities of magnetite treated fabrics were also evaluated toward Reactive Blue 2 decoloration under sunlight and ultrasound irradiation. Central composite design based on response surface methodology was applied to study the influence of iron precursor, pH and surfactant concentration to obtain appropriate amount for the best magnetism. Findings suggested the potential of one-pot sonochemical method to synthesize and fabricate Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles on cotton/polyester fabric possessing appropriate saturation magnetization, 95% antibacterial efficiency against Staphylococcus aureus and 99% antifungal effect against Candida albicans, 87% and 70% dye photocatalytic and sonocatalytic decoloration along with enhanced mechanical properties using only one iron rich precursor at low temperature.     

Superhydrophobic cotton fabric coating based on a complex layer of silica nanoparticles and perfluorooctylated quaternary ammonium silane coupling agent

A superhydrophobic complex coating for cotton fabrics based on silica nanoparticles and perfluorooctylated quaternary ammonium silane coupling agent (PFSC) was reported in this article. The complex thin film was prepared through a sol-gel process using cotton fabrics as a substrate. Silica nanoparticles in the coating made the textile surface much rougher, and perfluorooctylated quaternary ammonium silane coupling agent on the top layer of the surface lowered the surface free energy. Textiles coated with this coating showed excellent water repellent property, and water contact angle (CA) increased from 133° on cotton fabrics treated with pure PFSC without silica sol pretreatment up to 145°. The oil repellency was also improved and the contact angle of CH₂I₂ droplet on the fabric surface reached to 131°. In contrast, the contact angle of CH₂I₂ on the fabric surface treated with pure PFSC was only 125°.     

Antibacterial activity of silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles produced by spark discharge in deionized water

Inorganic antibacterial agents such as metal nanoparticles (NPs) are very important in biomedical and pharmaceutical areas. There are many methods of synthesizing these NPs, but all of them have their own disadvantages. In this study, ultrasonic‐assisted spark discharge is employed to produce colloidal silver (Ag) and zinc oxide (ZnO) NPs which are stable without using any stabilizers or surfactants. Different tests such as X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy are used for the characterization of the quantity and quality of these NPs, and their antibacterial activity is evaluated by the disk diffusion method and determination of the minimum inhibitory concentrations against Escherichia coli . The results show that the overall antibacterial activity of Ag NPs is higher than that of ZnO NPs.     

Synthesis of nano ZnO thin film on Al foil by rf glow discharge plasma and its effect on E. coli and P. aeruginosa

Nano ZnO thin films were deposited on thin Al foils by a rf glow discharge plasma method in which sublimed zinc acetate vapor (precursor) reacted with oxygen plasma inside a low-pressure reactor. The films were microstructurally characterized using XRD, TEM, FESEM, optical reflectance and micro-Raman spectroscopy methods. In view of the good scope of ZnO coating in food packaging, the antibacterial activity in the ZnO thin films was studied by exposing the films to E. coli and P. aeruginosa for up to 8 h. Bacterial cell inhibition of up to 98–99 % was observed in the thin films.     

Fabrication of a superhydrophobic ZnO nanorod array film on cotton fabrics via a wet chemical route and hydrophobic modification

A superhydrophobic ZnO nanorod array film on cotton substrate was fabricated via a wet chemical route and subsequent modification with a layer of n-dodecyltrimethoxysilane (DTMS). The as-obtained cotton sample was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning probe microscope (SPM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), respectively. The wettability of the cotton fabric sample was also studied by contact angle measurements. The modified cotton fabrics exhibited superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of 161° for 8 μL water droplet and a roll-off angle of 9° for 40 μL water droplet. It was shown that the proper surface roughness and the lower surface energy both played important roles in creating the superhydrophobic surface, in which the Cassie state dominated.     

The preparation and antibacterial effects of dopa-cotton/AgNPs

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been known to have powerful antibacterial activity. In this paper, in situ generation of AgNPs on the surface of dopamine modified cotton fabrics (dopa-cotton/AgNPs) in aqueous solution under room temperature is presented. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) were used to analyze the surface chemical composition and the morphology of the modified cotton fabrics, respectively. The results indicated that the surface of cotton fabrics was successfully coated with polydopamine and AgNPs. The cotton fabrics with AgNPs showed durable antibacterial activity.     

Enhanced antibacterial performance of hybrid semiconductor nanomaterials: ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite thin films

The nano-sized coupled oxides ZnO/SnO₂ thin films in a molar ratio of 2:1 (Z2S), 1:1 (ZS) and 1:2 (ZS2) were prepared using sol-gel dip coating method and characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-vis spectroscopy. Escherichia coli (E. coli, ATCC 25922) was selected as a model for the Gram-negative bacteria to evaluate antibacterial property of composite samples compared with single ZnO (Z) and single SnO₂ (S) films. The antibacterial activity has been studied applying the so-called antibacterial drop test under UV illumination. The bactericidal activity was estimated by relative number of bacteria survived calculated from the number of viable cells which form colonies on the nutrient agar plates. The influence of the SnO₂-ZnO nanocomposite composition on the structural features and on the antibacterial properties of the thin films are reported and discussed. It is found that all coatings exhibited a high antibacterial activity. The coupled oxide photocatalyst Z2S has better photocatalytic activity to bacteria inactivation than ZS, ZS2, Z and S films. Furthermore, nanostructured films were active even in the absence of irradiation.     

Characterization of undoped and Co doped ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by DC thermal plasma method

ZnO nanopowders doped with 5 and 10 at% cobalt were synthesized and their antibacterial activity was studied. Cobalt doped ZnO powders were prepared using dc thermal plasma method. Crystal structure and grain size of the particles were characterized by X-ray diffractometry and optical properties were studied using UV-vis spectroscopy. The particle size and morphology was observed by SEM and HRTEM, revealing rod like morphology. The antibacterial activity of undoped ZnO and cobalt doped ZnO nanoparticles against a Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli and a Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus atrophaeus was investigated. Undoped ZnO and cobalt doped ZnO exhibited antibacterial activity against both E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus but it was considerably more effective in the cobalt doped ZnO.     

Carbon‐Doped Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared from Metal Nitrates in Supercritical CO2‐Enabled Polymer Nanoreactors

Various C‐doped metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared from metal nitrates in poly‐(methyl vinyl ether‐co‐maleic anhydride) (PVM/MA) nanoreactors. The loading of metal nitrates in the nanoreactors is realized via a process of solution‐enhanced dispersion by supercritical CO₂. When the temperature exceeds the thermal decomposition temperature of the nitrates, the nitrates‐loaded nanoreactors transform into C‐doped metal oxide NPs. ZnO, NiO, and Co₃O₄ NPs as representative of the doped oxides are successfully fabricated. A precise control over the doping concentration and doping site in the lattice is achieved by changing the mass ratio between PVM/MA and metal nitrate. The controllable carbon doping avoids undesirable aggregation of carbon species and metal oxide NPs, endows the NPs with broad and strong absorption bands in the visible light region, and creates channels for separation of photo‐generated electrons and holes. In this regard, the resultant C‐doped metal oxide NPs exhibit excellent photocatalytic, photo‐induced antibacterial, and photothermal performances.     

Chronic exposure to zinc oxide nanoparticles increases ischemic-reperfusion injuries in isolated rat hearts

The use of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) in numerous products is increasing, although possible negative implications of their long-term consumption are not known yet. Our aim was to evaluate the chronic, 6-week oral exposure to two different concentrations of ZnO NPs on isolated rat hearts exposed to ischemic-reperfusion injury and on small intestine morphology. Wistar rats of both sexes (n = 18) were randomly divided into three groups: (1) 4 mg/kg ZnO NPs, (2) 40 mg/kg ZnO NPs, and (3) control. After 6 weeks of treatment, the hearts were isolated, the left ventricular pressure (LVP), the coronary flow (CF), the duration of arrhythmias and the lactate dehydrogenase release rate (LDH) were measured. A histological investigation of the small intestine was performed. Chronic exposure to ZnO NPs acted cardiotoxic dose-dependently. ZnO NPs in dosage 40 mg/kg maximally decreased LVP (3.3-fold) and CF (2.5-fold) and increased the duration of ventricular tachycardia (all P < 0.01) compared to control, whereas ZnO NPs in dosage 4 mg/kg acted less cardiotoxic. Goblet cells in the small intestine epithelium of rats, treated with 40 mg ZnO NPs/kg, were enlarged, swollen and numerous, the intestinal epithelium width was increased. Unexpectedly, ZnO NPs in both dosages significantly decreased LDH. A 6-week oral exposure to ZnO NPs dose-dependently increased heart injuries and caused irritation of the intestinal mucosa. A prolonged exposure to ZnO NPs might cause functional damage to the heart even with exposures to the recommended daily doses, which should be tested in future studies.     

Highly flexible,transparent, conductive and antibacterial films made of spin-coated silver nanowires and a protective ZnO layer

We prepared highly flexible, transparent, conductive and antibacterial film by spin coating a silver nanowire suspension on a poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) substrate. The ZnO layer covered the conductive silver nanowire (AgNW) network to protect the metal nanowires from oxidization and enhance both wire-to-wire adhesion and wire-to-substrate adhesion. It is found that the number of AgNW coatings correlates with both the sheet resistance (R_s) and the transmittance of the AgNW/ZnO composite films. An excellent 92% optical transmittance in the visible range and a surface sheet resistance of only 9 Ω sq⁻¹ has been achieved, respectively. Even after bending 1000 times (5 mm bending radius), we found no significant change in the sheet resistance or optical transmittance. The real-time sheet resistance measured as a function of bending radius also remains stable even at the smallest measured bending radius (1 mm). The AgNW/ZnO composite films also show antibacterial effects which could be useful for the fabrication of wearable electronic devices.     

Preparation of cytocompatible luminescent and magnetic nanohybrids based on ZnO, Zn0.95Ni0.05O and core@shell ZnO@Fe2O3 polymer grafted nanoparticles for biomedical imaging

ZnO, Zn_0.95Ni_0.05O and core@shell ZnO@??-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) have been prepared by forced hydrolysis in polyol medium and then coated via the ??grafting from?? approach with poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) and poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate?Cco?Csodium methacrylate) in the case of ZnO. The surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization occurred from the surface-functionalized NPs with ??-bromoisobutyric acid as initiator. The polymer chains were grown from the surface to yield hybrid NPs with a 1?C3-nm thick organic shell. FT-IR, TGA and electron microscopy evidenced the presence of a polymer layer on the surface of NPs. Magnetic and optical properties of bare and coated NPs have been measured. Eventually, the weak cytotoxicity of coated NPs on human endothelial cell allows considering their potentialities as new tools for nanomedicine and biomedical imaging.     

Radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor based ZnO thin film deposition on glass substrate: A novel approach towards antibacterial agent

In the present study, the structural, optical and antibacterial properties of ZnO thin films are reported. ZnO thin films are deposited on borosilicate glass substrates by radio frequency plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using oxygen as process gas. The crystallinity of the deposited films is improved upon annealing at 450 °C in air for 1.5 h and the polycrystalline nature of the films is further confirmed by selected area electron diffraction. The particle size of the annealed film (thickness 476 nm) is found to be ∼34 nm from the transmission electron microscopic observation. Energy dispersive X-ray spectrum indicates the stoichiometric deposition of ZnO films. The films are highly transparent (transmittance >85%) in the visible region of electromagnetic spectrum. The films exhibit excellent antibacterial effect towards the growth of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.     

Low-temperature growth of ZnO nanorods on PET fabrics with two-step hydrothermal method

An effective low-temperature growth method to fabricate hexagonally oriented ZnO nanorod arrays onto PET fabrics is reported. The effect of substrate pre-treatment and C₆H₁₂N₄ concentration on the structure of ZnO nanorod arrays were investigated in details by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FE-SEM and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). The results show that substrate pre-treatment, C₆H₁₂N₄ concentration indeed have great influence on the growth of ZnO nanorod arrays. It is indispensable to introduce a ZnO seed layer on the substrate and under growth condition of n(C₆H₁₂N₄):n[Zn(NO₃)₂] = 1:1, T = 90 °C, t = 3 h, the well-aligned ZnO nanorod arrays with 40-50 nm in diameter and 300-400 nm in length were achieved on the pre-treated PET fabrics. The ZnO nanorods grown on PET fabrics possessed an ultrahigh ultraviolet protection factor of 480.52 in this study, indicating an excellent protection against ultraviolet radiation in comparison with the untreated PET fabrics.