Green Synthesis of Antibacterial Cotton Nanocomposites with In Situ Generation of Copper Nanoparticles Using Senna auriculata Leaf Extract as Reductant

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) were bio synthesized instantaneously in nanocomposite cotton fabrics (NCFs), utilizing aqueous Senna auriculata (SA) plant leaves solution as reductant. These NCFs with in situ generation of CuNPs were analyzed with different spectrophotometers such as Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) combined with electron dispersive X-ray (EDX), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Thermogravimetric and Derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTA), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The formed CuNPs were tested for their antibacterial and mechanical properties. The SEM results revealed that the bio synthesized CuNPs were spherical in shape and most of them with a mean size of 100 nm. The XRD studies explained the crystalline nature of CuNPs. These NCFs exhibited high thermal stability, good induced mechanical properties and acted as pathogenic killing agent against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. The Young's modulus value was found to be 65.81 MPa. The enhanced properties and immediate generation of CuNPs in NCFs can be utilized in medical applications such as antibacterial beds in hospitals, napkins and to make packing materials.