Herbal Extract-Induced Silver Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Cotton Fabric

Herbal extract-induced metallic nanoparticles have replaced the traditionally synthesized nanoparticles to achieve sustainability in antimicrobial textiles. Silver nanoparticles (NPs) were created by the bio-reducion of silver nitrate with eucalyptus corymbia leaf extract. The bi-lateral activities of herbal extract, like the reduction and capping of silver nanoparticles, have added new dimensions in the bactericidal sector. Silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, a particle size analyzer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffractometry. In this study these biosynthesized nanoparticles were applied on cotton fabric alone and along with chitosan by the pad-dry-cure method to create antibacterial clothing. Antibacterial efficiency was characterized using the colony counting method (serial dilution method). The treated fabric shows excellent antibacterial efficiency.