Eco-sustainable functionalization of hemp fibers through a sequential process employing tannic acid and copper ions for elevated antibacterial efficacy

Drug-resistant bacterial infections pose a significant threat to public health. As a functional textile material, antibacterial fibers can effectively inhibit the spread of diseases and offer solutions to mitigate infection risks. However, industrial hemp fibers tend to lose their native antibacterial properties during processing procedures, particularly degumming, rendering them incapable of meeting human antibacterial needs. In this study, we developed a novel antibacterial fiber, Cu-TA@HF, through a simple and eco-friendly synthesis approach to stably load tannic acid and copper ions onto the surface of hemp fibers without compromising their mechanical properties. To validate the successful modification and the combination of tannic acid with copper ions, SEM, AFM, FTIR, XPS, XRD, and TGA were employed. The results of antibacterial tests revealed that Cu-TA@HF effectively inhibits the growth of E. coli and S. aureus , demonstrating potent antibacterial effects with an antibacterial ratio exceeding 98 %. Moreover, it retains its superior antibacterial activity even after 50 washes. Notably, Cu-TA@HF showed cytotoxic effects on RAW264.7 cells. These findings highlight the significant potential and antibacterial application value of Cu-TA@HF in textiles and medical fields. • Sequential reaction yields stable, ordered, high-selectivity functional hemp fibers. • Tannic acid and copper ions synergistically boost fibers’ antibacterial activities. • Functionalized fibers exhibit stable mechanics and good washability. • Functionalized fibers support the textile and medical industries.