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

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 FeO 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 FeO 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).