Producing natural-colored super-powerful antibacterial cotton with plasma-assisted fiber surface modification: a green and effective cotton process for medical and healthcare applications

Abstract

Cotton is the most commonly used natural fiber with natural properties applicable to next-to-skin textiles. This study uses plasma fiber surface modification with soy protein coating with the aim of improving cotton's natural dyeing ability and functional finish from the herbal plant of F. Artemisiae argyi as a source of natural dye and bio-agent. The results showed that while soy coating alone can significantly increase the fibers’ natural dye uptake, fabric dyeing ability can be enhanced further when applying plasma pretreatment. When plasma pretreatment is applied to the fiber surface and at a soy concentration of above 3%, traditional water bath coating can exceed the ultrasonic bath in its effectiveness in attracting natural dye in the subsequent dyeing process. Plasma pretreatment followed by soy sonic coating can provide cotton with a soft handle whilst achieving improved color strength and UV protection. This study demonstrates a successful process of applying a biomedicinal agent to a cotton substrate, which can provide cotton with antioxidant properties and super powerful antibacterial (against S. aureus) ability with a bactericidal rate of 95–100%. The strong antibacterial activity remains powerful (or is even more powerful) after 8 months of storage. All materials used in this work are natural and are within easy access. The main achievement of this study is that by using low-cost natural compatible materials and green surface modification, traditional cotton material can broaden its applications in practical medicine/healthcare.