Modification of Cellulose Textile Materials with Zinc-Oxide Nanoparticles and Investigation of Their Antibacterial Properties

Methods for the synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) of zinc oxide in an aqueous-alcohol medium are described. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it is shown that NPs with a size of 5–49 nm are formed. Optimal conditions for the treatment of cellulose materials with aqueous solutions of zinc-oxide NPs are developed. SEM studies confirm the presence of zinc-oxide NPs on the surface of cellulose materials, which are rather unevenly distributed. Antimicrobial activity is assessed by the degree of inhibition of bacterial growth (Escherichia coli) on materials treated with zinc-oxide NPs compared to the control samples. Cellulose materials modified with zinc oxide NPs are shown to have antibacterial activity against bacteria and molds.