Peroxides encapsulated in porous silica nanoparticles for application in antimicrobial textiles

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J Rocha-Gomes, D Pereira and A Duarte

University of Minho, Portugal
Ecoticket Ltd., Portugal

: J Nanomater Mol Nanotechnol

Abstract

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Micro and nanoencapsulated products for controlled delivery are attractive since they are pro-tected against other chemicals until they release the payload. This technology proposes the release of the active product, by entrapment or immobilization in silica nanoparticles of aqueous products, by using a modified sol-gel process, the Stober method. The nanoparticles were tested for the controlled delivery of oxidising products, for possible application on bandages for antimicrobial activity. For application on textile fabrics, the oxidising agents are immobilized by a polymer film applied on the fabric for durability purposes. The nanoparticles we prepared containing hydrogen peroxide, release it at temperatures as low as 15ºC. Release tests were performed. These nanoparticles can also have other aqueous oxidising payloads, such as hypochlorite. In textiles, antibacterial products for hospitals are usually based on triclosan and other leaching biocides. These will soon be banned for causing resistant microbes. Peroxides on the other hand are innocuous and do not cause microbial resistance. For textiles when applied with an antibacterial they will be resistant to washing when applied with polymers that form a protective film over them. Antimicrobial activity was tested on cotton fabric (washed 25 times) treated with hydrogen peroxide nanoparticles. The results showed more than 90% inhibition.

Biography

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Email: rgomes@det.uminho.pt