Biosynthesis of silver-based nanoparticles on polypropylene non-woven material for efficient antimicrobial activity

The outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic confirmed the importance of personal protective equipment including the respiratory face masks as barriers to pathogens. Taking into account that face masks are mainly composed of polypropylene (PP) non-woven materials this study explores the possibility of in situ biosynthesis of silver-based nanoparticles as an antimicrobial agent on PP material. A pomegranate peel extract was used as a ?green? agent for synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles. Hydrophobicity of PP fibers was overcome by modification with corona discharge at atmospheric pressure. In order to improve the binding of silver ions, corona modified PP material was impregnated with biopolymer chitosan in the presence of crosslinker 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylic acid. SEM analysis revealed the presence of spherical Ag-based nanoparticles on the fiber surface with an average size of approximately 69 nm. The higher the concentration of the precursor salt, the higher the silver content after the reduction. Larger amounts of Ag-based nanoparticles provided stronger antimicrobial activity against bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and yeast Candida albicans.