Modification of PET and PA fabrics with alginate and copper oxides nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to fabricate novel antimicrobial nanocomposite materials by in-situ syntheses of Cu-based nanoparticles on PET and PA fabrics. The synthesis comprised three steps: (i) modification of PET and PA fabrics with biopolymer alginate in order to improve uptake of Cu2+-ions, (ii) sorption of Cu2+-ions from the solution of precursor salt and (iii) reduction of adsorbed Cu2+-ions in an alkaline solution of sodium borohydride. The influence of concentration of alginate and copper(II) sulphate solutions on Cu2+-ions uptake and total copper content after reduction was evaluated. The presence of Cu-based nanoparticles was proved by FESEM and XRD analysis. XRD analysis revealed the presence of CuO and Cu2O on the PET and PA fibers, respectively. Larger amounts of mostly agglomerated nanoparticles were detected on PET fiber surface than on the PA fiber surface. This observation is in line with results of AAS measurements confirming that the total content of Cu on the PET fabric was nearly 30% higher compared to PA fabric. Nanocomposite containing PET fibers provided excellent antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria E. coli, Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus and yeast C. albicans. On the other hand, nanocomposite comprising PA fibers ensured maximum antibacterial and fungistatic activities.