Eco-friendly composite nanofibrous membranes loaded with chitosan microcapsules for enhanced antibacterial and deodorant application

Highly Antibacterial and Antifungal Cotton Fabric for Effective Odor Adsorption and Durable Waterproofing

The demand for antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorant textiles has grown significantly with the increasing concern for health and hygiene. In this study, novel functional cotton fabric (EE) with long-lasting antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorant activity was prepared by graft modification with triclosan and eugenol. EE shows more than 99% antibacterial and antifungal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Trichophyton rubrum through mechanisms such as inhibiting enzyme activity and disrupting cell structure. In addition, EE shows a deodorization rate of more than 70% for odorous gases produced by humans, such as sweat, foot odor, and manure odor. In contrast to conventional coatings or wraps, EE demonstrates long-lasting and stable functionality. After 50 washing cycles, EE still exhibited durable antibacterial and antifungal properties that exceeded the AAA requirements (FZ/T 73023, showing a 99% antibacterial and antifungal rate after 50 washes) and excellent deodorant properties. While retaining the breathability and biosafety of the original cotton fabric, EE also possesses antifouling properties. Therefore, the development of cotton fabric with long-lasting antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorant functions in this study addresses the urgent need for public health and environmental friendliness. The EE can effectively enhance the value of textiles and the quality of life for users.

Ultrasonic spraying quercetin chitosan nonwovens with antibacterial and deodorizing properties for sanitary napkin

With economic and social development, there is a growing focus on menstrual hygiene, and traditional sanitary napkins are no longer sufficient to meet women's needs. In this study, quercetin (QC) was efficiently and uniformly ultrasonic sprayed on thermally bonded chitosan nonwovens (CS) to prepare a multifunctional surface layer of sanitary napkins (QCX@CS). CS sprayed with 3 layers of QC (QC3@CS) exhibits excellent mechanical properties and high antibacterial rates against Escherichia coli (99.51 %) and Staphylococcus aureus (99.87 %), respectively. Besides, QC3@CS demonstrates strong free radical scavenging abilities, which have great potential to reduce the effects of reactive oxygen species on immune and metabolic functions during menstruation. QC3@CS demonstrates strong deodorizing abilities, with rates of 87.22 % for acetic acid and 90.88 % for ammonia, which could effectively eliminate the unpleasant odor associated with menstruation. Moreover, QC3@CS ensures excellent water absorption, anti-return properties, and cytocompatibility. This study may provide valuable insights into developing functional sanitary napkin materials based on natural extracts.

Electroactive nanofibrous membrane with antibacterial and deodorizing properties for air filtration

Water vapor from respiration can severely accelerate the charge dissipation of the face mask, reducing filtration efficiency. Moreover, the foul odor from prolonged mask wear tends to make people remove their masks, leading to the risk of infection. In this study, an electro-blown spinning electroactive nanofibrous membrane (Zn/CB@PAN) with antibacterial and deodorization properties was prepared by adding zinc (Zn) and carbon black (CB) nanoparticles to the polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers, respectively. The filtration efficiency of Zn/CB@PAN for PM0.3 was > 99% and could still maintain excellent durability within 4 h in a high-humidity environment (25 ℃ and RH = 95%). Moreover, the bacterial interception rate of the Zn/CB@PAN could reach 99.99%, and it can kill intercepted bacteria. In addition, the deodorization rate of Zn/CB@PAN in the moist state for acetic acid was 93.75% and ammonia was 95.23%, respectively. The excellent filtering, antibacterial, and deodorizing performance of Zn/CB@PAN can be attributed to the synergistic effect of breath-induced Zn/CB galvanic couples' electroactivity, released metal ions, and generated reactive oxygen species. The developed Zn/CB@PAN could capture and kill airborne environmental pathogens under humid environments and deodorize odors from prolonged wear, holding promise for broad applications as personal protective masks.