Ultraviolet protection and antibacterial properties of textile fabric made of silver nanoparticles/alkaline lignin/regenerated cellulose fiber

Regenerated cellulose fibers (e.g., viscose, modal) and natural cotton fibers remain dominant in summer textile production owing to their inherent softness, breathability, and moisture absorption. Nevertheless, their limited ultraviolet (UV) resistance and proneness to microbial colonization restrict extended applications. To address these limitations, we developed a novel regenerated cellulose-based composite fiber incorporating silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and alkaline lignin (AL) through a wet-spinning approach. The synthesis process involved dissolving AL and cotton cellulose (CC) in an N,N-dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride (DMAc/LiCl) solution, followed by wet spinning to produce AL/CC fibers. Subsequently, AgNPs were in situ synthesized on the surface of the AL/CC-g fibers, resulting in Ag/AL/CC-g fibers. The structural, chemical composition, and thermal stability of the Ag/AL/CC-g fibers were characterized through XPS, SEM, DSC, TG. The Ag/AL/CC-g fibers exhibited good antibacterial activity, achieving a > 99.99 % reduction rate against both E.coli and S.aureus. The UV-blocking capability of Ag/AL/CC-g fabric (woven from Ag/AL/CC-g fibers) was evaluated, revealing a direct correlation between AL content and UV absorption. Notably, the Ag/AL/CC-g fabric(with 46 % AL and 7 % AgNPs) demonstrated “excllent” UV protection, achieving a UPF value exceeding 40, according to the European standard(EN 13758–2).This study presents a novel and effective approach to fabricating cellulose-based textiles with dual functionality—enhanced UV resistance and robust antibacterial properties—expanding their potential applications in high-performance summer apparel and medical textiles. • A novel silver nanoparticles/alkaline lignin/regenerated cellulose fiber was developed through a wet-spinning approach. • The AL/CC fibers were produced via wet spinning using cotton and alkaline lignin dissolved in DMAc/LiCl solution. • AgNPs were in situ synthesized on the surface of the AL/CC-g fibers, resulting in Ag/AL/CC-g fibers. • The Ag/AL/CC-g fibers showed good antibacterial activity, achieving 99.99 % reduction rate against E.coli and S.aureus. • The Ag/AL/CC-g fabric (with 46 % AL and 7 % AgNPs) demonstrated “excllent” UV protection.