In vitro assessment of antibacterial potential and mechanical properties of Ag-TiO₂/WPU on medical cotton optimized with response surface methodology

The environmental-friendly, economical, and simple one pot formulation for enhanced antibacterial and mechanical property finishing on medical cotton fabrics was successfully developed and optimized using a central composite design in conjunction with response surface methodology. It combines the concepts of in situ synthesis of AgNPs and photocatalytic property of TiO₂ in waterborne polyurethane as the finishing emulsion without additional organic reducing or stabilizing agent. The optimal formulation with contents of AgNO₃ (240 ppm) and TiO₂ NPs (980 ppm) exhibited excellent antibacterial activities against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus with over 99% reduction and improved mechanical properties as well as non-toxicity to mammalian cells.