Scientists from NUST MISIS (Moscow) and the State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (Obolensk) have invented a method for obtaining natural tissues with special qualities.
Such fabrics repel moisture, do not let in ultraviolet light, and also destroy pathogenic microorganisms.
This was reported to RT in the press service of NUST MISIS.
The study was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation.
The results are published in the journal ACS Applied Bio Materials.
According to the authors of the work, in contact with the human body, materials from natural fabrics (cotton, linen, wool) create an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and microbes.
Due to their large area, they are able to retain oxygen, moisture and heat, and due to the chemical components present in natural fibers, they provide nutrition to microorganisms and promote their growth.
Experts have suggested modifying cotton fabrics with boron nitride nanoparticles.
This substance is widely used in cosmetics due to its ability to absorb ultraviolet radiation and antibacterial properties.
Boron nitride is also resistant to high temperatures and is hydrophobic (the ability to repel moisture), the researchers note.
To better hold the nanoparticles on the fibers of the fabric, the authors synthesized them with substances from carboxyl and amino groups.
According to scientists, both form hydrogen bonds with the cellulose that makes up cotton.
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It turned out that nanoparticles with amino groups bond better with cotton fibers.
This was confirmed by experimental studies: the modified boron nitride was not washed off after a day in water and after 40 washes.
Both modifications also increased the resistance of cotton to high temperatures - the material did not collapse when heated above 350 ° C.
In addition, the fibers became more water repellent and transmitted much less UV rays.
The researchers also tested the antibacterial properties of the new materials.
A day later, all the cells of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, which causes many infections, from skin inflammations to dangerous meningitis and sepsis, died on the samples.
Experts note that this effect occurs due to the fact that nanoparticles in the aquatic environment release boric acid, which is harmful to microorganisms.
At the same time, its concentrations are absolutely safe for humans.
“We have obtained multifunctional fabrics that are superior in their characteristics not only to ordinary cotton, but also to fabric modified with nanoparticles without additional groups.
The nanotextile obtained by our method retains valuable properties even after repeated washing, and therefore it can be used when sewing sportswear and workwear, ”Elizaveta Permyakova, the first author of the work, a junior researcher at the NUST MISIS laboratory, said in an interview with RT.
Scientists plan to further modify fabrics with hybrid nanoparticles to improve antibacterial and UV protective characteristics.