A novel optimized polyoxometalate-modified silver nanocomposite. Application to the development of antibacterial textiles

Abstract

Antimicrobial textiles are used in various settings ranging from households to different industries, health areas, and shops. These materials are used in the manufacture of air filters, food packaging, sportswear; and hygiene, medical, storage, ventilation, and water purification systems. In healthcare medical centers, textiles like bed sheets and curtains are surfaces prone to contamination with microorganisms. The growth of microbes on the surface of textile materials can be inhibited by biocidal and biostatic compounds to prevent the spread of microbes. This work describes the development and characterization of a new antibacterial nanocomposite composed of silver nanoparticles functionalized with polyoxometalates. The experimental conditions for the synthesis were optimized using design of experiment tools. The resulting nanocomposite (formulation) was extensively characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, and the bioactivity of the material was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative models. The novel formulation was supported in an eco-friendly fabric to obtain a textile material with broad applicability and lasting antibacterial properties.