Fabrication of antibacterial cotton fibres loaded with silver nanoparticles via “Green Approach”

In the present investigation the antimicrobial efficiency of cotton fibres loaded with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was studied which are developed by “green process” using natural extracts, of Eucalyptus citriodora and Ficus bengalensis. The formation of AgNPs on the cotton fibres was observed by UV–vis spectrophotometer. The size of silver nanoparticles was found to have ∼20 nm. The structure and morphology of silver nanoparticles formed on the cotton fibres were confirmed by electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity of cotton fibres loaded with silver nanoparticles was evaluated against gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. The results suggest excellent antibacterial activity by the incorporation of 2% leaf extracts on cotton fibres. These fibres have also exhibited superior antibacterial activity even after several washings indicating their usage in medical and infection prevention applications.