Bioderived Antibacterial Coating for Polypropylene Non-woven Fabric to Prevent Secondary Infection

The risk of bacterial infection via discarded PPEs including face masks is high due to lack of hygiene. Hence, the need for a self-sterilizing PPE is critical in the current scenario. A bioderived coating formulation has been developed to improve the antimicrobial action of commercially available non-woven polypropylene fabric. A combination of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and nanocurcumin in chitosan matrix has been used to coat two-layered PP non-woven fabric. It was found that the chitosan/CNF/nanocurcumin coating enhanced antibacterial activity of the PP fabric without compromising its hydrophobicity. The inherent antibacterial activity of nanocurcumin and the capability of chitosan to distribute the nanocurcumin in fiber surface facilitate them with good microbial resistance. The developed coating would be a sustainable formulation for all types of fabrics used in medical applications such as masks, full body suits, and glows to get protection from pathogens, respiratory droplets, and other body fluids.

Development and advantages of chitosan/CNF/nanocurcumin-coated non-woven PP fabric