Cellulosic Materials Research Articles

One-Bath One-Step Dyeing of Polyester/Cotton Blend Fabrics Through Lipase Enzyme Surface Modification

ABSTRACT In this study, based on lipase enzyme surface modification, low-temperature dyeing of polyester/cotton fabric with reactive dyes was researched to achieve a one-bath one-step dyeing method. The Box-Behnken method was used to conduct the experiment and determine factors. For surface modification, lipase concentration, reaction time, and treatment temperature were considered, whereas for the dyeing process, reactive dye concentration, dyeing time, and dyeing temperature were taken into account to measure color strength. A treatment temperature of 30°C, a lipase enzyme concentration of 14 w/v %, and a treatment time of 50 min were shown to be ideal or optimum surface treatment parameters for lipase enzyme surface modification. The optimal or ideal conditions for the dyeing process were a reactive dye concentration of 2.13 w/v%, dyeing time of 50 min, and dyeing temperature of 66°C, giving a color strength value of 3.02. Lipase enzyme-modified polyester/cotton (p/c) blend fabrics provide color fastness that is all over grades 3–4, including washing fastness, rubbing fastness, perspiration fastness, and light fastness. The outcomes raise the prospect of developing a new technique for dying polyester/cotton blend fabric in a single bath using a single dye class that is typically employed for dying textiles made of cellulosic material.

Sustainable Assessment of Bio-Colorant from Bakain Bark (Melia azedarach L.) for Dyeing of Cellulosic and Proteinous Fabric.

The current study proceeded to reduce the environmental hazards spreading worldwide due to synthetic dyes. To overcome these problems, eco-friendly natural dyes are introduced as alternative sources of synthetic dyes. The present study was focused on exploring the bio-colorant of the aqueous and acidic extract of the bark of Melia azedarach L. for the dyeing of both silk and cotton samples. The results of the extraction medium specified that the aqueous extract gave maximum colorant solubility and upon fabric dyeing produced higher color strength in contrast to the acidic medium. The optimization experimentation data showed that excellent color strength of silk fabric was found at 45 min dyeing time duration, in 35:1 mL dye extract, and using 2% salt (NaCl) as an exhausting agent, whereas cotton fabric showed the maximum K/S value at 60 min dyeing time, in a 45:1 mL liquor ratio, and with the use of 2% salt. Bio-mordants produce different shades on both fabrics. Bio-mordanting experiments on silk revealed that pre-mordanting with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate, and post-mordanting using 3% turmeric and 2% pomegranate produced a darker shade. In the case of cotton, the pre-mordanted samples with 2% turmeric and 3% pomegranate and the post-mordanted samples with 4% turmeric and 4% pomegranate gave the highest color strengths. All the mordanted samples gave excellent fastness ratings. Overall, it has been found that Bakain bark proved to be an excellent source of tannin. The result of this study showed that it could be a cost-effective and eco-friendly dye source for textile progress.

DNP enhanced solid-state NMR – A powerful tool to address the surface functionalization of cellulose/paper derived materials

This concept summarizes recent advances in development and application of DNP enhanced multinuclear solid-state NMR to study the molecular structure and surface functionalization of cellulose and paper-based materials. Moreover, a novel application is presented where DNP enhanced 13C and 15N solid-state NMR is used to identify structure moieties formed by cross-linking of hydroxypropyl cellulose. Given these two aspects of this concept-type of article, we thus combine both, a review on recent findings already published and unpublished recent data that complement the existing knowledge in the field of characterization of functional lignocellulosic materials by DNP enhanced solid-state NMR.

Fluorescent cellulose nanofibrils hydrogels for sensitive detection and efficient adsorption of Cu2+ and Cr6+

Increasing chromium and copper pollution poses a significant threat to the global environment and human health. It is crucial to detect and remove Cu (II) and Cr (VI) from water. Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF)-based hydrogels were a natural, abundant, and biocompatible material that has attracted great attention for bio adsorption applications. In this work, a new fluorescent CNF-based hydrogel (PAA-CNF-W) was prepared for the high-efficiency adsorption and sensitive detection of Cu (II) and Cr (VI). CNF was introduced as a natural backbone to construct a three-dimensional porous structure, which increased the specific surface area and provided additional active sites, exhibiting excellent adsorption properties for Cu (II) (159.24 mg/g) and Cr (VI) (173.87 mg/g). Moreover, the synthesized dansyl chloride derivatives with fluorescent properties were introduced to the hydrogel and formed chelates with the metals leading to fluorescence quenching. PAA-CNF-W hydrogels showed high sensitivity to the detection limit (LOD) of Cu (II) (28.70 mg/L) and Cr (VI) (1.45 mg/L). The kinetic study revealed that pseudo-second order kinetics was the best-fitting model. The Langmuir isotherm was the best adjustment model. The study provides a new idea for efficient detection and removal of Cu (II) and Cr (VI) from wastewater by cellulose materials.

Construction of a β-cyclodextrin-based colloid containing silicon, phosphorus and nitrogen components: Toward enhancing flame retardancy of flax fabrics

Natural cellulose fabrics, as one of the combustibles prone to causing indoor fires, are modified with flame retardants encouraged by the fire protection industry. Herein, a bio-based colloid named ASDPC was prepared by 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, diethylenetriaminepentakis(methylphosphonic acid) and β-cyclodextrin, and used to enhance the flame retardancy of flax fabrics via the pad-dry-cure method. The treated flax fabrics named ASDPC-FF showed good flame retardancy with a damaged length of only 6.4 cm in the vertical burning test and a limiting oxygen index value of up to 33.8 %. Meanwhile, ASDPC-FF exhibited thermal stability and combustion behavior distinct from untreated flax fabrics. Thermogravimetric analysis presented that the char residue produced by ASDPC-FF at 800 °C was as high as 36.2 %. Cone calorimetry test indicated that the peak heat release rate and total heat release of ASDPC-FF decreased by approximately 89.0 % and 35.7 %, respectively. Furthermore, compared to untreated flax fabrics, condensed-phase and gas-phase studies found that ASDPC-FF turned into expanded char and produced fewer gaseous volatiles containing C-H, CO and C-O-C at high temperatures. More importantly, ASDPC-FF remained self-extinguishing after 25 laundering cycles with flame retardancy surpassing untreated flax fabrics. In summary, this work provides a novel route for expanding the manufacture of flame-retardant flax fabrics.

Sustainable building envelopes: Evaluating the thermal performance of thatched roofs fabricated using coconut leaves

Excessive heat gain in residential buildings during sunny days, especially in tropical regions, leads to increased reliance on active energy cooling systems, contributing to higher carbon emissions and energy costs. Traditional roofing materials, such as terracotta tiles are often insufficient in mitigating indoor temperature rise, necessitating the exploration of alternative, sustainable solutions. This study investigates the thermal performance of naturally available coconut leaves used as thatch roofing, comparing it with conventional terracotta tiles, to determine their effectiveness in controlling interior temperatures and reducing heat gain in buildings. To mitigate such a problem, the Near Infra-Red (NIR) light reflectivity of dried plant leaves derived from deciduous and coniferous trees was measured. The structural hierarchy of the leaves was confirmed through Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscope (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) studies. FTIR spectra reveal characteristic vibrations of ester, cellulosic components, etc., and XRD confirms the amorphous status of cellulosic materials present in the plant biomass. To study the use of thatched roofs made using coconut leaves as a roofing element, two test huts were fabricated - one was covered using terracotta roof tiles and the other was covered using coconut leaves thatches. The thermal performances of two roofing materials were recorded on a sunny day and the results were compared. The temperature data noticed reveal the fact that the maximum average surface temperature of the terracotta roof model was 59.53 °C, while the rooftop covered with coconut thatches exhibits a temperature of 54.26 °C which is 8.8% less than the hut covered with terracotta tiles. The interior temperature recorded in the coconut thatch was 33.36 °C, which was 1.15 °C lower (34.51 °C) than the terracotta tiles-covered test hut, confirming the better thermal comfortability of thatched roof model than a terracotta roof model.

Metal–Organic Frameworks as Promising Textile Flame Retardants: Importance and Application Methods

We present a review of current research on promising flame retardants using specific methods of applying metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) to the highly flammable fibrous surface of cotton fabric. In this review, we initially address the reasons why the search for new flame retardants has becomes critically important in textile finishing, the area responsible for adhering new functionalities to substrates. This addition of characteristics is closely linked to the nature of the fibers, so the reason for the improvement in cotton fabric in relation to flame retardancy is discussed. Furthermore, the development of highly porous nanomaterials that can generate composites with specific functions is described, as well as their application and methods of integration into textile surfaces. Finally, the main candidates for flame retardant functionality in cellulosic materials are identified. It is also hoped that this work will facilitate researchers to develop and formulate new methods of applying nanomaterials to textile substrates, with a view to becoming a reference for new research into the development of adhesion of emerging materials to traditional materials.

Effect of Antisolvent Used to Regenerate Cellulose Treated with Ionic Liquid on Its Properties.

The solvolysis reaction with ionic liquids is one of the most frequently used methods for producing nanometer-sized cellulose. In this study, the nanocellulose was obtained by reacting microcrystalline cellulose with 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc). The aim of this research was to determine the influence of various antisolvents used in the regeneration of cellulose after treatment with ionic liquid on its properties. The following antisolvents were used in this research: acetone, acetonitrile, water, ethanol and a mixture of acetone and water in a 1:1 v/v ratio. The nanocellulose was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental analysis (EA). The results show that the antisolvent used to regenerate cellulose after the solvolysis reaction with EmimOAc affects its properties. Water, ethanol and a mixture of acetone and water successfully removed the used ionic liquid from the cellulose structure, while acetone and acetonitrile were unable to completely remove EmimOAc from the cellulosic material. The results of the XRD analysis indicate that there is a correlation between the ionic liquid content in the regenerated cellulose and its degree of crystallinity. Among the tested solvents, water leads to the effective removal of EmimOAc from the cellulose structure, which is additionally characterized by the smallest particle size and non-formation of agglomerates.

Designing for Degradation: Transient Devices Enabled by (Nano)Cellulose.

Transient technology involves materials and devices that undergo controlled degradation after a reliable operation period. This groundbreaking strategy offers significant advantages over conventional devices based on non-renewable materials by limiting environmental exposure to potentially hazardous components after disposal, and by increasing material circularity. As the most abundant naturally occurring polymer on Earth, cellulose is an attractive material for this purpose. Besides, (nano)celluloses are inherently biodegradable and have competitive mechanical, optical, thermal, and ionic conductivity properties that can be exploited to develop sustainable devices and avoid the end-of-life issues associated with conventional systems. Despite its potential, few efforts have been made to review current advances in cellulose-based transient technology. Therefore, this review catalogs the state-of-the-art developments in transient devices enabled by cellulosic materials. To provide a wide perspective, the various degradation mechanisms involved in cellulosic transient devices are introduced. The advanced capabilities of transient cellulosic systems in sensing, photonics, energy storage, electronics, and biomedicine are also highlighted. Current bottlenecks toward successful implementation are discussed, with material circularity and environmental impact metrics at the center. It is believed that this review will serve as a valuable resource for the proliferation of cellulose-based transient technology and its implementation into fully integrated, circular, and environmentally sustainable devices.

Engineering advanced cellulosics for enhanced triboelectric performance using biomanufactured proteins

Biological polymers, such as polysaccharides and polypeptides, offer renewable and biodegradable solutions for a more sustainable future. These polymers comprise natural building blocks, such as amino acids and glycans, which ensure their true environmental benefits at the end of their lifecycle. For example, cellulose is a highly sustainable material with many excellent properties, including renewability, biodegradability, and versatility in its functionality. It can be used in various forms, such as textiles, packaging materials, and building insulation. Here, we studied advanced cellulosic materials produced by blending or creating bi-composites with biomanufactured proteins inspired by squid ring teeth (SRT). Biomanufactured proteins can be synthesized in larger quantities, have a controlled production process, be modified to create desirable variants, and their production can be scaled up or down. Specifically, we engineered recombinant SRT proteins to have high electrostatic charge, induce crystallinity, and provide polar hydroxyl groups, which enhances cellulosic materials’ triboelectric response. The triboelectric voltage of blend triacetate and cellulose fibers increased by 72–108% and 49–57%, respectively, with a protein content of 10% wt. Furthermore, coating proteins on cellulosic fibers to create bi-composite fibers is a highly effective method for doubling (200%) the triboelectric performance. This finding has important implications for developing sustainable triboelectric materials and producing advanced materials using biomanufacturing.

Nano-fumed silica coated novel cellulosic okra fabrics with enhanced hydrophobic, mechanical and thermal properties for high performance bio-composite applications

Nano-fumed silica coated novel cellulosic okra fabrics with enhanced hydrophobic, mechanical and thermal properties for high performance bio-composite applications

From Waste to Wonder: Leveraging Rust Dyeing and Eco-Printing for Modern Sustainable Textiles

In rust dyeing, rusted objects are repurposed to transfer unique patterns and earthy tones onto fabric, transforming what might be considered waste into beautiful, sustainable works of art. This study investigates the combined effects of rust dyeing and eco-printing on different fabric types—cotton, modal, viscose, and polyester. Rust dyeing was performed using rusted iron nails to impart earthy tones of brown and orange to the fabrics. Following the dyeing process, eco-printing was carried out using Psidium guajava (guava) leaves that were pre-mordanted with a ferrous sulphate solution. The colourfastness, pattern quality, and overall appearance of the rust-dyed fabrics post eco-printing was assessed. Results revealed that rust dyeing produced distinct shades on each fabric type, with cotton and modal showing the most pronounced colour retention and eco-print detail. Viscose exhibited moderate colour absorption, while polyester showed limited dye adhesion and eco-print definition. The study concludes that while rust dyeing and subsequent eco-printing can effectively enhance the aesthetic qualities of natural and regenerated cellulosic fabrics, polyester's synthetic nature poses challenges in achieving vibrant and durable impressions. The findings provide insights into optimizing eco-printing techniques for diverse fabric types and contribute to the broader understanding of sustainable textile processes. By embracing the unpredictability of nature, artists and designers can create one-of-a-kind designs that reflect the textures, shapes, and hues found in the environment. These eco-friendly approaches not only reduce reliance on synthetic dyes but also transform everyday materials, often considered waste, into beautiful works of art.

Enhancing Electrical Conductivity in Cellulosic Fabric: A Study of Bio‐Based Coating Formulations

Enhancing Electrical Conductivity in Cellulosic Fabric: A Study of Bio‐Based Coating Formulations

Multimodal integrated and broadband light-driven antibacterial cellulose fabric based on π-π coupling enhanced intermolecular FRET

Fabrication of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) materials based on organic photosensitizers has garnered considerable attention within functional textiles. However, the UV- or narrow-band absorption range of the photosensitizers results in poor photon utilization of the fabrics, limiting the photodynamic efficiency and wasting solar energy. In this study, a broadband light-driven antibacterial cellulose fabric (CF-ZnPc/NAD) was developed by loading carboxyl-modified zinc(II) phthalocyanine photosensitizer (CAZnPc) and cationic 1,8-naphthalimide fluorescent molecule (NAD) on the fabric via covalent binding and electrostatic adsorption assembly, facilitating the intermolecular π-π coupling and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) process. There is a 2.54-fold increase in photo-induced ROS generation capacity of CF-ZnPc/NAD via the FRET process compared to that of CF-ZnPc, and it also exhibited a strong photothermal effect (PTT), wherein the temperature of the fabric increased from 24.5 to 53.5 °C within 80 s of illumination (λ > 400 nm, 75 mW/cm2). CF-ZnPc/NAD exhibited strong light-harvesting capacity and a combination of aPDT and PTT, achieving excellent antibacterial performance against Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive, S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative, E.coli) with 99.99 % bacterial reduction under 90 min of illumination (λ > 400 nm, 10 ± 1 mW/cm2). This study demonstrates a novel and facile strategy for successfully fabricating high-performance antibacterial cellulose fabrics with potential biomedical prospects.

Experimental Exploration of Cellulose Material for Battery Separators and Artificial Neural Network-Driven Predictive Modeling for Enhanced Thermal Safety in Electric Vehicles

Abstract Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are the most reliable energy storage devices nowadays because of their high energy density, long life cycle, and low self-discharge rate. But still, the safety concern is a significant problem in the area. When talking about LIB safety, thermal effects come first; this leads to thermal runaway, fires, and explosions. The critical component of LIB that has a great role in safety is the separator, which serves the purpose of preventing direct contact between the positive and negative electrodes while enabling the movement of lithium ions. This work aimed to find naturally available cellulose material for the LIB separator and to predict the performance of the material by artificial neural network (ANN) for better control of thermal problems that happen with traditional polymer separator materials. The cellulose derived from banana peels is isolated and characterized for its potential use as a separator material. The study conducts the four selected characterization approaches, scanning electronics microscopy (SEM) with three different resolutions to assess the morphology of the extracted cellulose, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the heat flow with temperature change on the cellulose and the value obtained 231.22 J/g at a maximum temperature of 323.18 °C, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to examine the weight loss of the cellulose with respect to temperature variation, which results in a weight loss of 59.37% when the temperature reaches 235 °C, which is considered favorable, and a differential thermal analysis (DTA) was used to know the temperature difference in the banana peel cellulose (BPC), which results in a temperature of 330.23 °C. This morphological and thermal analysis technique for the BPC is used to determine the heat-related properties of the BPC, including phase transitions, thermal stability, and reaction. In addition, these results show BPC as an alternative material for separators in comparison to the existing polymer-based materials. Furthermore, these experimental results are used to train an ANN to predict the performance of BPC material using a binary classification. Because of the training process, 97.58% accuracy was achieved.

Analyzing Solar Pyrolysis Process of Walnut Shells: Thermal Biomaterial Behavioral Outcomes

This paper presents a new experimental method for the thermal analysis of solar pyrolysis of walnut shells. The method consists of two types of thermal experiments: (A) the pyrolysis of walnut shells, and (B) the heating-cooling of the biochar obtained during experiment A. Nutshells are a waste product from the pecan nut industry. The state of Sonora, Mexico, produces large volumes of walnuts and their residue. Likewise, this region has a considerable solar resource. The motivation of this study is to obtain biochar - a bi-product of high commercial value used for soil enhancement - using solar energy and agro-industrial waste. In this experiment, biomass pyrolysis of 50g of nutshells was carried out inside a stainless-steel reactor heated with concentrated radiation from a solar simulator. Three different heat fluxes were used: 234, 482, and 725 W. The maximum reaction temperatures were: 382, 498, and 674 °C respectively. The composition of the pyrolysis gases (H2, CO, CO2, and CH4) was measured and the biochar obtained was characterized. Finally, the performance of the solar reactor allowed us to identify and differentiate between evaporation, pyrolysis of cellulosic material, and lignin degradation

A cellulose-binding domain specific for native crystalline cellulose in lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase from the brown-rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum

Cellulose-binding domains (CBDs) play a vital role in cellulose degradation by enzymes. Despite the strong ability of brown-rot fungi to degrade cellulose in wood, they have been considered to lack or have a low number of enzymes with CBD. Here, we report the C-terminal domain of a lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase from the brown-rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum (GtLPMO9A-2) functions as a CBD, classified as a new family of carbohydrate-binding module, CBM104. The amino acid sequence of GtCBM104 shows no similarity to any known CBDs. A BLAST search identified 84 homologous sequences at the C-terminus of some CAZymes, mainly LPMO9, in basidiomycetous genomes. Binding experiments revealed GtCBM104 binds selectively to native crystalline cellulose (cellulose I), but not to artificially modified crystalline or amorphous cellulose, while the typical fungal CBD (CBM1) bound to all cellulosic materials tested. The adsorption efficiency of GtCBM104 to cellulose I was >20-times higher than that of CBM1. Adsorption tests and microscopic observations strongly suggested that GtCBM104 binds to the hydrophilic regions of cellulose microfibrils, while CBM1 recognizes the hydrophobic surface. The discovery of GtCBM104 strongly suggests that the contribution of CBD to the cellulose enzymatic degradation mechanism of brown-rot fungi is much larger than previously thought.

Coadsorption mechanisms of copper and sulfamethoxazole by functionalized cellulose: A kinetic and DFT study

In order to address the issue of compound pollution from heavy metals and antibiotics in aquatic environments, multibranched functionalized cellulose materials (DACS) with abundant adsorption affinity groups (such as amino, carboxyl and imine groups) were prepared by oxidation, etherification and grafting. The maximum adsorption capacities of DACS for copper (Cu) and sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) were 42.27 and 117.92 mg/g, respectively. In addition, its excellent pH buffering capacity, resistance to coexisting interfering substances and great regeneration performance of up to 91 % after 5 cycles. In the coadsorption experiment, the multibranched structure strengthened the bridge effect during the coadsorption process, and weakened the inhibition of SMZ adsorption caused by competition. Kinetic models and error functions analysis showed that PNO model and F&S model were the most consistent with the adsorption process, and the limiting step of adsorption was the external diffusion of Cu and SMZ around the surface of DACS. Moreover, the density functional theory (DFT) was used to quantitatively calculate the adsorption binding energy of multiple sites on DACS, and clarified the adsorption tendency of DACS as electron donors for Cu and as acceptor for SMZ. In addition, the binding energy of sequential adsorption was greater than that of single and binary adsorption, and the binding stability of SMZ was significantly increased in sequential adsorption for the increasing of binding energy. The electron exchange process in the adsorption showed that SMZ played a bridging role in the binary adsorption, while Cu was the main reaction part of the complex adsorption.

SANS investigation of fungal loosenins reveal substrate dependent impacts of protein 1 action on inter-fibril distance and packing order of cellulosic substrates.

Microbial expansin-related proteins include fungal loosenins, which have been previously shown to disrupt cellulose networks and enhance the enzymatic conversion of cellulosic substrates. Despite showing beneficial impacts to cellulose processing, detailed characterization of cellulosic materials after loosenin treatment is lacking. In this study, small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) was used to investigate the effects of three recombinantly produced loosenins that originate from Phanerochaete carnosa, PcaLOOL7, PcaLOOL9, and PcaLOOL12, on the organization of holocellulose preparations from Eucalyptus and Spruce wood samples. Whereas the SANS analysis of Spruce holocellulose revealed an increase in interfibril spacing of neighboring cellulose microfibrils following treatment with PcaLOOL12 and to a lesser extent PcaLOOL7, the analysis of Eucalyptus holocellulose revealed a reduction in packing number following treatment with PcaLOOL12 and to a lesser extent PcaLOOL9. Parallel SEC-SAXS characterization of PcaLOOL7, PcaLOOL9, and PcaLOOL12 indicated the proteins likely function as monomers; moreover, all appear to retain a flexible disordered N-terminus and folded C-terminal region. The comparatively high impact of PcaLOOL12 motivated its NMR structural characterization, revealing a double-psi b-barrel (DPBB) domain surrounded by three alpha-helices - the largest nestled against the DPBB core and the other two part of loops extending from the core. The SANS analysis of PcaLOOL action on holocellulose samples confirms their ability to disrupt cellulose fiber networks and suggests a progression from reducing microfibril packing to increasing interfibril distance. The most impactful PcaLOOL, PcaLOOL12, was previously observed to be the most highly expressed loosenin in P. carnosa. Its structural characterization herein reveals its stabilization through two disulfide linkages, and an extended N-terminal region distal to a negatively charged and surface accessible polysaccharide binding groove.

Re-designing nano-silver technology exploiting one-pot hydroxyethyl cellulose-driven green synthesis.

Re-designing existing nano-silver technologies to optimize efficacy and sustainability has a tangible impact on preventing infections and limiting the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. Advancements in manufacturing processes could lead to more cost-effective and scalable production methods, making nano-silver-based antimicrobial products more accessible in various applications, such as medical devices, textiles, and water purification systems. In this paper, we present a new, versatile, and eco-friendly one-pot process for preparing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at room temperature by using a quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), a green ingredient, acting as a capping and reducing agent. The resulting nano-hybrid phase, AgHEC, consists of AgNPs embedded into a hydrogel matrix with a tunable viscosity depending on the conversion grade, from ions to nanoparticles, and on the pH. To investigate the synthesis kinetics, we monitored the reaction progress within the first 24h by analyzing the obtained NPs in terms of particle size (dynamic light scattering (DLS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM)), Z-potential (ELS), surface plasmon resonance (UV-VIS), crystallographic phase (XRD), viscosity, and reaction yield (inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)). To explore the design space associated with AgHEC synthesis, we prepared a set of sample variants by changing two independent key parameters that affect nucleation and growth steps, thereby impacting the physicochemical properties and the investigated antimicrobial activity. One of the identified design alternatives pointed out an improved antimicrobial activity in the suspension, which was confirmed after application as a coating on nonwoven cellulose fabrics. This enhancement was attributed to a lower particle size distribution and a positive synergistic effect with the HEC matrix.