Investigation of ZnO Antimicrobial Surface Treatment of Shoe Lining Materials

Prolonged wearing of shoes creates conditions for bacterial and fungal diseases. The use of nanotechnology and especially metal nanoparticles enables the production of high-quality leather for footwear with good antimicrobial properties. The pre-tanning process, which involves adding metal particles to the tanning solution, has been the subject of several studies on the application of metal oxides to leather. Few investigations have been conducted on the last finishing stage of leather nanoprocessing. The aim of the present study was to obtain and characterize the antimicrobial properties of finish films containing zinc oxide nanoparticles for shoe leather materials. The in situ method was applied to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles and these particles were deposited in a cross-linked collagen hydrogel applied to shoe lining materials. The obtained samples were examined by means of SEM, UV, FTIR and antimicrobial tests, and their properties were proven. Morphological analysis revealed the widespread presence of zinc oxide nanoparticles within the leather sample’s structure. Spectroscopic examinations highlighted the interactions between collagen in the leather tissue and gelatin on one side, while also detailing the bonds between inorganic particles on the other. The modified leather samples demonstrated a reduction in bacterial and fungal growth. The antimicrobial effectiveness varies depending on the type of modification and the specific bacterial strain tested. These finishes have been shown to serve as effective protective antimicrobial coatings for shoe leather materials, helping to safeguard the human foot from microbial exposure.