Biomolecule-Enhanced Polyethylene Terephthalate Fabrics for Multifunctional Elderly Protective Textiles

The rapid progression of global population aging has heightened the need for multifunctional textiles that integrate safety, hygiene, and comfort for elderly care. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabrics, valued for their durability and affordability, are hindered by inherent flammability, hydrophobicity, and the absence of antimicrobial properties. Herein, we introduce a bioinspired, sustainable approach to fabricate multifunctional PET fabrics through dopamine-mediated grafting of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a natural biomolecule. Unlike conventional petroleum-based additives, ATP provides a renewable phosphorus–nitrogen–carbon source enabling char formation, radical quenching, and antibacterial activity. Meanwhile, dopamine enhances adhesion and hydrophilicity. The optimized PET/D-ATP fabrics exhibit a Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) of 29.1% (surpassing the 27% flame-retardant threshold per EN 533:1997), ultrafast water absorption (<0.5 s, water contact angle <5°), improved wicking height up to 7.2 cm, and antibacterial efficiencies of 95.8% against Escherichia coli and 97.2% against Staphylococcus aureus. This green modification process eschews toxic additives, maintains fabric processability, and demonstrates excellent wash durability (retaining >80% performance after 50 cycles) with low cytotoxicity (>95% cell viability). This biomolecule-centric platform advances eco-friendly textile engineering, offering integrated fire protection, moisture regulation, and infection control for aging societies and sustainable materials development.