Ultrasonic-Assisted Deposition of Antibacterial Nano-Copper Oxide Films on Cotton Fabrics

Abstract

The development of antibacterial textiles is essential for applications in healthcare, hygiene, and protective clothing. Among various approaches, Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) were successfully deposited onto cotton fibres using an ultrasonic spray-coating technique to enhance their antibacterial functionality. The molarity of the precursor solution was identified as a critical factor influencing the morphology, structural properties, and antibacterial efficacy of the coated cotton fibres. Two molar concentrations (0.03 M and 0.06 M) were used to assess the effect of CuO loading on the coating characteristics and antibacterial performance. The treated fabrics were rigorously evaluated against two bacterial strains: Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive). Comprehensive morphological and structural characterization of the CuO films was conducted using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine surface uniformity, particle distribution, and crystallinity of the deposited thin films. The biological findings revealed that the CuO-coated fabrics exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains with increased effectiveness observed at the higher molarity. These findings indicate that ultrasonic deposition of CuO thin films on cotton fibres provides a promising route for producing antimicrobial textiles with potential applications in medical, hygienic, and protective clothing. Overall, CuO-coated cotton fabrics demonstrated effective bacterial inhibition, highlighting their potential for antimicrobial textile applications. The molarity of the CuO solution significantly influences both coating quality and antibacterial efficacy. © 2025 by Sami Publishing Company This is an open access article under the CC BY license.