Synthesis of silk fibroin and silver nanoparticles for enhanced functionality in cellulosic textiles

This study investigates the synthesis of silk fibroin nanoparticles (SFNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their application to cotton textiles to enhance functional properties for potential biomedical use. The nanoparticles were synthesized using chemical reduction and nanoprecipitation methods, and their formation and stability were confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Cotton fabrics were subsequently modified with SFNPs, AgNPs, and a combined SF-AgNPs formulation. Characterization confirmed the successful deposition and interaction of nanoparticles with cellulose fibers. The treated textiles demonstrated improved antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, along with enhanced antioxidant performance as evidenced by DPPH radical scavenging assays. Notably, the combined SF-AgNPs treatment exhibited synergistic effects, providing stronger antimicrobial durability and higher antioxidant capacity compared to single-nanoparticle treatments. These findings highlight the potential of SFNPs and AgNPs as effective nanomaterials for producing multifunctional, bioactive cotton textiles with promising applications in healthcare and biomedical fields.