Bifunctionalization of cotton textiles by ZnO nanostructures: antimicrobial activity and ultraviolet protection

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures were in situ synthesized on the surface of cotton fabric via a simple wet chemical route for providing antimicrobial activity and ultraviolet (UV) protection. Surface morphology and surface chemistry were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumonia and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. UV-blocking ability was investigated by measuring the ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) value in the range of 280–400 nm according to AATCC Test Method 183-2004. SEM images revealed that significant amounts of hierarchical ZnO nanostructures were homogenously formed on the fibers’ surface; most of them are bundle/flower-like particles having different sizes. Antibacterial tests showed that the ZnO-coated fabric possesses good bacteriostatic activity against two representative bacteria, demonstrated by the zone of inhibition. However, there wa...