ZnO/SnO2 decorated rGO nanocomposite coating on non-thermal plasma treated fabrics - antimicrobial activity

Antimicrobial textiles have gained noteworthy attention due to their prospective applications in healthcare, hygiene, and everyday use. This study explores the efficacy of ZnO/SnO 2 /rGO nanocomposite coated on cotton fabrics pre-treated with argon plasma for enhanced antibacterial as well as anticancer activity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was employed to determine the crystalline structure and phase composition, providing insights into the materials crystallinity and potential phase transitions. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify the functional groups present in the samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was conducted to examine the surface morphology and microstructural features. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis was integrated with SEM to assess the elemental composition and distribution across the sample surface. The wettability characteristics were evaluated using Contact Angle (CA) measurements, which provided information on wettability. To assess the mechanical properties, tensile strength testing was performed. Lastly, air permeability measurements were carried out to evaluate the breathability of the material, which is crucial factor of antimicrobial fabrics. Current research explores the antibacterial properties as well as anticancer activity (A549). • Plasma treatment enhances fabrics antibacterial properties. • Nanocomposite coating boost antimicrobial efficiency of treated fabrics. • Cytotoxicity tests show promising anticancer activity of A549 cell line. • Potential applications in healthcare, sportswear, and daily-use textiles.