One-step antibacterial modification of polypropylene non-woven fabrics via oxidation using photo-activated chlorine dioxide radicals

Abstract

In this study, we examined the modification of polypropylene non-woven fabrics (PP NWFs) via a one-step oxidation treatment using photo-activated chlorine dioxide radicals (ClO₂˙). The oxidised PP NWFs exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). The mound structure and antibacterial activity in the modified PP NWFs disappeared upon washing with a polar organic solvent. After washing, nanoparticles of around 80 nm in diameter were observed in the solution. The results of several mechanistic studies suggest that nanoparticles can contribute to the antimicrobial activity of oxidised PP NWFs.