Melanin-like nanoparticles loaded with Ag NPs for rapid photothermal sterilization and daily protection of textiles

The dual-function antibacterial and photothermal melanin-like nanoparticles (Ag NPs@Fe3+-SMNPs) were prepared and used for fabric modification. The modified fabric had excellent photothermal and antibacterial performance. By Xenon lamp irradiation, the temperature of the fabric surface rises rapidly to over 80 °C in 30 s. The modified fabric had the photothermal sterilization rates of 99% against E. coli or S. aureus after 10 min of Xenon lamp irradiation. Meanwhile, Ag NPs provided excellent antibacterial properties to the modified fabric used in daily life, and the antibacterial rate of the modified fabric was 99%. Additionally, the modified fabric showed excellent air and moisture permeability, and had excellent photothermal and antibacterial properties after 20 times of washing and 100 times of rubbing. The modified fabric was modified with the antibacterial and photothermal dual-function melanin-like nanoparticles, showing great potential in personal protective equipment (such as masks) to meet people's needs in the future. [Display omitted] •Ag NPs were reduced in situ onto melanin-like NPs for antibacterial properties.•Antibacterial and photothermal melanin-like NPs were prepared.•The melanin-like NPs can bind to cotton fabric by spontaneous deposition.•The fabric with antibacterial and rapid photothermal sterilization was prepared.