Copper nanoparticles loaded alginate-impregnated cotton fabric with antibacterial properties

In the present study, calcium alginate‐impregnated cotton fabric has been loaded with copper nanoparticles to impart antimicrobial properties. The fabric, so prepared, has been characterized by TEM and FTIR analysis. There has been no adverse effect found on the mechanical properties of fabric due to alginate impregnation. The release of Cu(II) ions has been studied in the physiological fluid at 37°C under different experimental conditions, such as varying concentrations of sodium alginate and the crosslinker calcium chloride. The fabrics showed an appreciable release of Cu(II) ions, extended over a period of 50 h. The amount of Cu(II) ions released showed a negative dependence on the amount of alginate present within the fabric network and the concentration of crosslinker calcium chloride used. The release data was fitted on the Higuchi diffusion‐controlled release model successfully. Finally, the antibacterial activity of fabric was tested by zone inhibition method against E. coli as model bacteria. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012