Eco-engineered silver nanoparticles for multifunctional cotton fabric with integrated UV protection, antimicrobial efficacy and thermal regulation

Cotton fabrics exhibit excellent moisture and thermal management properties due to the hierarchical alignment of cellulose fibrils. However, these properties can also retain sweat and sebum, creating an environment conducive to microbial growth and potential health risks. The misuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of drug-resistant pathogens, necessitating the development of novel antibacterial materials. In this study, we successfully constructed a cutting-edge, multifunctional fabric (Ag@CFs) by seamlessly integrating low-cost silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized from vegetable waste (WV) extract onto the surface of cotton fabrics (CFs). To enhance the durability and adherence of these nanoparticles (NPs), we utilized a silicone binder, ensuring a robust, long-term stability and their performance. The Ag-treated fabrics (Ag@CFs-15) exhibited remarkable antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus, and E. coli with 25.9 ± 2.7 mm and 22.5 ± 2.21 mm demonstrating remarkable inhibition zones with sustained Ag⁺ release respectively. Notably, fabrics also provided excellent UV protection, with minimal UV transmission rates of 3.25%, 2.50%, and 1.50% for UV-B and 7.25%, 2.50%, and 2.0% for UV-A for Ag@CFs-5, Ag@CFs-10, and Ag@CFs-15 samples, respectively. Additionally, AgNPs-treated fabric demonstrated improved thermal regulation, reflecting heat effectively and maintaining a lower surface temperature of 31.5 °C, compared to 36.6 °C for the untreated fabric. These findings underscore the vast potential of silver-coated cotton fabrics (Ag@CFs) for diverse applications, from healthcare to sportswear, where hygiene and performance are paramount. The convergence of sustainability, nanotechnology, and advanced textiles heralds a new era of functional materials.