Dual-Spectrum Antimicrobial Nylon for Healthcare: Pandanus amaryllifolius Silver Nanoparticles Combat ESKAPK Pathogens and Fungal Infections

Healthcare environments face persistent challenges from contaminated textiles that facilitate the transmission of multidrug-resistant ESKAPK pathogens and fungal infections, contributing to high morbidity and economic burden. This study reports dual-spectrum antimicrobial nylon development through coating with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) green-synthesized using Pandanus amaryllifolius extract (Pandan-AgNPs). UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed nanoparticle formation with surface plasmon resonance peak at 464.1 nm. Transmission electron microscopy revealed spherical nanoparticles (21.86 ± 7.81 nm) with narrow size distribution, while zeta potential (-32.8 ± 0.81 mV) indicated good stability. In situ coating successfully deposited Pandan-AgNPs onto nylon, evidenced by distinct color shift (ΔE = 270.05 ± 10.75). Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed successful nanoparticle deposition, while FTIR revealed Ag–O stretching vibrations and modifications in amide-associated functional groups, indicating chemical interaction between nanoparticles and the nylon matrix. Coating reduced water absorption capacity by 9.89% and increasing fabric density by 7.73%. Antimicrobial testing demonstrated > 98% reduction of all ESKAPK pathogens, lowering viable counts to 0.96–2.11 log₁₀ CFU/mL. Pandan-AgNPs coated nylon achieved > 99.9% inhibition against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium solani, and Talaromyces atroroseus. Durability analysis confirmed sustained antimicrobial activity, with > 96% bacterial reduction maintained after two washing cycles. Cytotoxicity assessment using 3T3/L1 normal cells indicated favorable biocompatibility, with 73–84% cell viability at 15.625–62.5 µg/mL and an IC₅₀ of approximately 92 µg/mL. These findings demonstrate that Pandan-AgNPs coated nylon provides broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection with excellent wash durability and minimal cytotoxicity, positioning it as a promising sustainable material for healthcare textiles.