The amount of silver nanoparticles required to kill bacteria is extremely small, which makes them efficient and cost effective to use. Moreover, the new method, developed by ARS materials engineer Sunghyun Nam and her colleagues, is inexpensive and eco-friendly.

This technology has many possible applications. For example, fabrics or bandages made with these new nanoparticle-containing fibers may be effective in wound or burn treatments says Brian Condon, the unit’s research leader. The nanoparticles may be used in durable or nonwash fabrics—disposable undergarments, shoe liners, upholstery, and bedding—to protect the users from infection.

More information: Sunghyun Nam et al. Silver-cotton nanocomposites: Nano-design of microfibrillar structure causes morphological changes and increased tenacity, Scientific Reports (2016). DOI: 10.1038/srep37320

Extract from Bremen Cotton Report 37/38 2017 reprinted by kind permission of the Bremen Cotton Exchange. More information www.baumwollboerse.de/en/