Copper deposition on fabrics by rf plasma sputtering for medical applications

Deposition of Copper on Polyester Knitwear Fibers by a Magnetron Sputtering System. Physical Properties and Evaluation of Antimicrobial Response of New Multi-Functional Composite Materials

In this study, copper films were deposited by magnetron sputtering on poly(ethylene terephthalate) knitted textile to fabricate multi-functional, antimicrobial composite material. The modified knitted textile composites were subjected to microbial activity tests against colonies of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria and antifungal tests against Chaetomium globosum fungal molds species. The prepared samples were characterized by UV/VIS transmittance, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile and filtration parameters and the ability to block UV radiation. The performed works proved the possibility of manufacturing a new generation of antimicrobial textile composites with barrier properties against UV radiation, produced by a simple, zero-waste method. The specific advantages of using new poly(ethylene terephthalate)-copper composites are in biomedical applications areas.

Deposition of Copper on Poly(Lactide) Non-Woven Fabrics by Magnetron Sputtering-Fabrication of New Multi-Functional, Antimicrobial Composite Materials

The paper presents the method of synthesis; physico-technical and biological characterization of a new composite material (PLA–Cu⁰) obtained by sputter deposition of copper on melt-blown poly(lactide) (PLA) non-woven fabrics. The analysis of these biofunctionalized non-woven fabrics included: ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS) transmittance; scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS); attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy; ability to block UV radiation; filtration parameters (air permeability); and tensile testing. The functionalized non-woven composite materials were subjected to antimicrobial tests against colonies of Gram-negative (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria and antifungal tests against the Chaetomium globosum fungal mould species. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of PLA–Cu⁰ suggests potential applications as an antimicrobial material.