Inherently Colored Antimicrobial Fibers Employing Silver Nanoparticles

Here we are reporting a novel method of producing inherently colored antimicrobial fibers employing silver nanoparticles. Without using undesirable dyes and chemical finishes, colors as well as antimicrobial properties have been imparted in textile grade acrylic fibers through silver nanoparticles, in such a way that these properties become inherent part of the fibers. The motivation behind silver nanoparticles is their unique optical properties as well as biomedical applications. A composite solution of polyacrylonitrile copolymer containing silver nanoparticles, synthesized in-situ, was converted into fibers using solution spinning technique. The fibers, so formed, have in-built silver nanoparticles in size ranging from 20-120 nm. Colors ranging from red to blue could be prepared by varying the silver concentration, aggregate size and process. The antibacterial efficacy of the fiber was as high as 94.3% against Escherichia coli.