Development of Antibacterial Cotton Textiles by Deposition of Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Using Low-Temperature Plasma Sputtering

Abstract

Antibacterial textiles can help prevent infections from antimicrobial-resistant pathogens without using antibiotics. This work aimed to enhance the cotton fabric's antimicrobial properties by depositing Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles on both sides of its surface. The nanoparticles were deposited using low-temperature plasma technology in a pure oxygen atmosphere, which is environmentally friendly. The Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles formed clusters on the fabric surface, rather than thin films that could reduce the airflow of the textile. The optimal conditions for the nanoparticle deposition were 200 W of plasma power, 120 min of immersion time, and 5 cm of Fe cathode-textile sample distance. The received antimicrobial textile was tested and the high efficiency of developed materials were successfully demonstrated against 16 microbial strains (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungi).