Antibacterial effectiveness of cotton textiles coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles fabricated using the sonochemical technique

Abstract

This study investigates the antibacterial efficacy of cotton fabrics coated with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using a sonochemical method, focusing on their action against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were applied to the textiles through a high-frequency ultrasound process, ensuring a uniform coating. The treated fabrics exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with 84.9% reduction in E. coli colony-forming units (CFU) and 89.5% reduction in S. aureus CFU. The zone of inhibition tests further confirmed these findings, showing clear bacterial growth suppression around the textile samples. The results suggest that ZnO NP-coated cotton textiles, produced via sonochemical methods, possess strong antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, making them promising for medical and hygienic applications.