Copper alginate-cotton cellulose (CACC) fibers with excellent antibacterial properties

Abstract

The present work describes synthesis of copper alginate-cotton cellulose (CACC) composite fibers and detailed investigation of antimicrobial action against the model bacteria E.coli. The CACC fibers were prepared by immersing cotton fibers in aqueous solution of sodium alginate, followed by ionic crosslinking of alginate chains within the cotton cellulose fibers with Cu(II) ions to yield CACC composite fibers. The resulting CACC fibers were investigated for their biocidal action against E.coli, by using zone inhibition and colonies counting method. Finally, CACC fibers were reduced with sodium borohydride to yield copper nanoparticles- loaded composite fibers and investigated for biocidal action. It was found that CACC fibers possessed both, the fair mechanical strength and antibacterial action. The extent of biocidal action was found to depend upon the amount of Cu(II) loaded and concentration of alginate into cotton- cellulose fibers. The fibers showed higher Cu(II) release in physiological fluid as compared to distilled water. Copper alginate-cotton cellulose (CACC) fibers show fair mechanical strength and release copper ions in the presence of physiological fluid and protein solution. These fibers have great potential to be used as dressing materials.