Sustainable functionalization of cotton fabric using green-synthesized CuO nanoparticles and azolla nilotica algae extract for enhanced antifungal and UV protection

Nanoparticles have recently gained great attention in the functional finishing of textiles in combination with plant extracts. In the present work, cotton fabric was functionalized successfully with biosynthesized copper oxide nanoparticles and A. nilotica algae methanol extract. Copper sulfate was used as a precursor and methanol extract both as a reducing agent and combined with CuO NPs, which were applied through the pad-dry-cure method. Characterization was done using SEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR spectral analysis, and UV-vis spectrophotometer. The average particle size obtained was 21.63 nm. Optimization was done using Box Behenken Design while applying the two active agents. Then, the fabric was evaluated for its antifungal and ultraviolet radiation protection. The optimum value of 20.542mm zone of inhibition of antifungal activities (C. albicans), and UPF with a value of 90.34 was obtained. Therefore, CuO NP and algae extract-coated cotton fabric can be used for medical and other antimicrobial needed applications. • Cotton fabric treated with CuO NPs & algae extract shows promising areas for more study. • However, no studies are found on cotton fabric functionalized with CuO NPs and algae extract. • Novel formulations are used to maximize functionality by reducing environmental effects. • In particular, the coating of cotton fabric was optimized following property evaluation • Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized with A.nilotica algae extract for the first time