Antimicrobial Effect of Herbal Nanosilver Finished Fabrics on Drug Resistant Pathogens

Margi H. Patel, Pratibha B. Desai

Abstract: Green chemistry plays very significant role in the synthesis of diverse nanomaterials in the field of nanotechnology and nanoscience. Textile materials completely lack protection against microbial growth by its chemical nature. Infestation by microbes cause cross infection by pathogens and develop odour where the fabric is worn next to skin. In addition, staining and loss of the performance properties of textile substrates are results of microbial attack. Basically, with a view to protect the wearer and the textile substrate itself antimicrobial finish is applied to textile materials. Present study focused on green synthesis of silver nanoparticles by silver nitrate and utilizing the bio components of leaves extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica), treatment of Woven & Nonwoven fabrics with nanoparticles, assessment of their antimicrobial efficacy and finally assessment of wash durability. Size of nanoparticles and presence of nanoparticles on the surface of fabrics were confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles treated 100 % cotton woven fabrics shows maximum 94.06 % & 93.65 % reduction against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multi drug resistant (MDR) strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and treated SMS Nonwoven fabrics shows maximum 91.01 % & 77.27 % reduction against multi drug resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli.

Keywords: Silver nanoparticles, Neem Azadirachta indica leaves extract, SEM analysis and Antimicrobial activity