Multifunctional WO ₃ Nanoparticle-Coated Smart Textiles via Plasma Sputtering: Antibacterial Efficiency and Cellular Safety

Nanofabrics, also known as nanotextiles or smart textiles, are a promising solution for combating infections caused by antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, offering an alternative to antibiotics. This study focuses on enhancing the antimicrobial properties of cotton material by depositing WO3 nanoparticles on the textile surface using low-temperature plasma sputtering technology in a pure oxygen atmosphere. The properties of the deposited WO3 nanoparticles were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) combined with Energy-Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The developed antibacterial textiles were tested against 18 microbial strains, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungi, demonstrating high antimicrobial efficacy against most. The growth of bacteria Pasteurella multocida was promoted following exposure to WO3 nanoparticles, while the tested material showed no effectiveness against the fungus Candida albicans REF10231. The cytotoxic and genotoxic properties of the WO3 nanoparticle-modified textile were assessed in vitro utilizing human endothelial HUVEC cells. No evidence of short-term (24-hour exposure) or long-term (72-hour exposure) toxicity was detected in textiles subjected to treatment with WO3 nanoparticles. However, for practical use, toxicity studies are essential to assess the safe application of these materials in clinical settings. This research highlights the potential of WO3 nanoparticle-modified textiles in addressing the global challenge of microbial infections while offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional antimicrobial treatments.