Antimicrobial effect of cotton fabric functionalized with a kaolinite-titania nano-hybrid composite

It is well known that certain diseases can be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. Due to the structural characteristics and composition, textile products are favorable media for the retention, growth, and propagation of pathogens, making them potential vehicles for contamination. The current health and humani-tarian crises have highlighted the urgent task of exploring effective antimicrobial agents that help prevent and combat emerging microbiological diseases. Based on this, the present work investigated the antimicrobial ac-tivity of a cotton fabric functionalized with kaolinite-titania nano-hybrid particles. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Bacillus cereus (Gram-positive) bacteria. Results show that the composite can enhance the photoactivity of the immobilized TiO2, inducing the complete disinfection of the medium in contact with the treated fabric.

Automated summary

Certain diseases can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. Textile products, due to their structure and composition, provide favorable conditions for pathogens to grow and spread, making them potential sources of contamination. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of a cotton fabric coated with kaolinite-titania nano-hybrid particles, which showed effective disinfection against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.