Configuration of a unique antibacterial needle-punched nonwoven fabric from silver impregnated polyester nanocomposite fibres

The current study aims to mitigate the problems arising due to leach-out of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from an antibacterial material developed using silver coating or finishes. Polyester (PET) staple fibres with Ag-NPs firmly integrated within them were used to prepare needle-punched nonwoven fabric. To further enhance the antibacterial efficiency, the nonwoven surface was etched via alkaline hydrolysis such that the Ag-NPs are exposed to the bacterial cell wall. The antibacterial activity of the nonwoven made of PET-Ag-NPs nanocomposite fibres (P/Ag-NFs) against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria was found to be increased after hydrolysis by 4.5% and 6.5%, respectively. The amount of silver leach-out from the developed antibacterial media was 0.01 ppm for 24 h immersion time, which is in compliance with regulations of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (0.01 mg/m(3)), as well as that of WHO (0.1 ppm). Moreover, the nonwoven was effective in killing up to 94% and 98% S. aureus and E. coli bacteria, respectively. Hence, the developed nonwoven fabric can safely be used for medical and health care textiles, antibacterial clothing and for the development of dry/wet filtration media.

Automated summary

This study aims to address the issues caused by the leach-out of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) from silver-coated or finished materials. A new type of nonwoven fabric was developed by integrating Ag-NPs into polyester fibers and enhancing the antibacterial efficiency through alkaline hydrolysis treatment. The results showed that the hydrolyzed nonwoven fabric demonstrated increased antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria, while the amount of silver leach-out complied with the relevant regulations. Therefore, this nonwoven fabric can be safely used in medical and health care textiles, antibacterial clothing, and filtration media development.