Chemical assembly of TiO2 and TiO2@Ag nanoparticles on silk fiber to produce multifunctional fabrics

A carefully designed surface modification technique for the manufacture of multifunctional silk textile nanocomposite materials is successfully developed by the functionalization of silk with TiO2 and TiO2@Ag nanoparticles (NPs). The NPs are assembled onto a silk substrate through covalent linkages, including enediol ligand–metal oxide bonding, resin dehydration and the acylation of silk. Owing to the strong chemical bonding, silk fibroin fabric (SFF) and the NPs form a stable composite system. The functionalized SFF, especially TiO2@Ag NP-functionalized SFF are endowed with remarkable UV protection properties, and an efficient anti-bacterial capability toward Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, the nearly total photodegradation of methylene orange (MO) under UV illumination illustrates that functionalized SFF possesses high photocatalytic and self-cleaning capability. This multifunctional silk material satisfies the market demand for natural “smart” products, and is a promising practical material for use in the textile industry, hospital sterilization and environmental cleanup.

Schematic illustration of the surface-modified TiO2@Ag nanoparticles covalently bonded onto the pre-modified SFF surface.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (68 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► For the first time, TiO2 and TiO2@Ag nanoparticles are chemical bonded onto silk fibroin fabric.
► The functionalized silk fibroin fabric is endowed with a high UV protection capability, excellent anti-bacterial action, a high photocatalytic and self-cleaning capability. Owing to the strong chemical bonding strength, long term durable effects are obtained.
► The biggest advantage of this simple technology is the adoption of it into the traditional anti-wrinkle finishing technology in textiles, so it is easily scaled up.