Hygiene characterization of polypropylene nonwoven composites produced on loading bio synthesized silver nanoparticles using Aloe Barbadensis Miller plant extract

Maintenance of hygiene for textile articles and tools is obligatory for medical professionals with regard to their own as well as patients’ safety in health care sector. The demand is well satisfied for decades by applying macromolecules of antibacterial agents into the base material through either coating (laminating) or reinforcing (finishing) methods. However, foremost glitches observed with either of practices are; added stiffness to the article, restricted laundering ease, shortened service period on laundering, and uncomforting to the user particularly when element worn adjacent to the skin for a prolonged time interval. The issue can be remedied by transforming asepsis functional molecules to nano form rather than using in macro form. Additionally, such changeover also boosts up antibacterial activities of asepsis due to noteworthy increase in specific surface area. AgNPs colloidal were produced using 0.01 ​g, 0.05 ​g, and 0.1 ​g of AgNO3 salt along with natural herb Aloe Barbadensis Miller (Aloe vera) extract as a green reducing and capping agent. The optimal quality and stability of the colloidal were worked out by keeping AgNO3 feed level constant, and varying only the concentration levels of Aloe vera; 2.5 ​ml, 5.0 ​ml, 10 ​ml, and 15 ​ml. The best stable colloidal was achieved for 10 ​ml Aloe gel with 0.1 ​g AgNO3 salt. The synthesized colloidal were applied to the 45 GSM PP nonwoven material by exhaust technique. SEM and EDX techniques were used to confirm the presence of AgNPs as well as their uniform distribution with a little or no agglomeration deposition in the composite structure. Consistent and satisfactory antibacterial activities were noted even after 72 ​h of time lag against E. coli (gram-negative) and S. Aureus (gram-positive) bacteria for the best synthesized AgNPs/Aloe vera loaded composite. Higher Zone of Inhibition (ZOI) values were observed for the optimal composite in comparison to commercially established Amoxicillin chemical against both the species of bacteria.