The rational use of carbohydrate polymers as functional matrices for integrating inorganic and organic components remains a key challenge in developing sustainable multifunctional materials. Here, a process-oriented, bio-inspired strategy for fabricating a chitosan-centred multifunctional composite coating is presented. This approach uniquely combines plasma-assisted activation of the silk surface, chitosan immobilisation, and subsequent controlled in situ generation of TiO2 nanoparticles in the presence of curcumin, a naturally derived polyphenolic compound. The resulting chitosan/TiO2/curcumin composite system simultaneously imparts antibacterial, UV-shielding, and photocatalytic self-cleaning functions to the silk. Chitosan provides strong antimicrobial activity, maintaining robust bio-barrier antibacterial protection in the composite system and achieving over 99.5% inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli growth. Curcumin acts as a TiO2 photosensitiser and charge-transfer mediator, suppressing electron-hole recombination and enabling efficient visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity, as confirmed by accelerated Rhodamine B dye degradation and effective coffee stain removal. Complementary UV absorption by TiO2 (UV-B) and curcumin (UV-A) delivers broad-spectrum UV protection with a UV protection factor of 32.1. Overall, this work demonstrates a distinct carbohydrate polymer-driven fabrication paradigm for engineering high-performance textiles with integrated multifunctional protective properties.

Ternary noble metal/semiconductor heterostructures are emerging as versatile platforms for multifunctional materials, but their integration into textiles remains limited. In this study, ultrasound-assisted sol-gel synthesis of Ag/TiO2/graphitic carbon nitride (gCN) nanocomposites directly on cotton fabric was developed. Two synthesis routes, i.e. in situ and ex situ were carried out at 20 degrees C and 70 degrees C to simultaneously achieve photocatalytic, UV protection, and antimicrobial properties. In situ synthesis at 70 degrees C resulted in the highest loading of TiO2 and Ag nanoparticles (NPs), leading to superior multifunctional performance. The enhanced photocatalytic activity and photostability of the nanocomposite under solar light irradiation were attributed to a Type-II heterojunction between TiO2 and gCN, the Schottky barrier formation at the Ag/TiO2 interface, and the localised surface plasmon resonance of the Ag NPs. The synergistic effect of gCN and Ag NPs on UV-A absorption combined with TiO2-mediated UV-B shielding resulted in a UV protection factor of 90. The dual effect of Ag+ and Ag0 species provided complete bacterial inactivation of S. aureus and E. coli. The level of Ag NPs remained below the cytotoxic threshold, ensuring excellent cytocompatibility. These results establish Ag/TiO2/gCN nanocompositefunctionalised cotton as a promising candidate for advanced biomedical and technical textile applications.

Hypothesis Bacterial adhesion on textile substrates is determined not only by the surface free energy (SFE) differences between bacterial cells and fibres but also by multiscale surface roughness and fabric architecture. Consequently, bacterial adhesion behaviour may deviate from classical thermodynamic predictions established for smooth, homogeneous surfaces. Experiments Bacteria–textile–liquid interactions were investigated using three woven substrates (cotton, cotton/wool, cotton/polyester) with distinct chemical composition, roughness, and SFE characteristics. Biofilm formation of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus was evaluated in aqueous media with controlled surface tension (0.9% saline and saline supplemented with 0.5% and 1.0% polysorbate 80). Bacterial surface properties were characterised via contact angle analysis, and thermodynamic adhesion (∆GBLSadh) was calculated from SFE components. Findings Biofilm formation was strongly substrate- and strain-dependent, with cotton promoting the highest and cotton/wool the lowest biomass. Adhesion could not be explained by simple hydrophilic–hydrophobic matching. Although ∆GBLSadhwas positive for all bacteria–textile combinations (22–33 mJ/m²), indicating non-spontaneous adhesion under equilibrium conditions, biofilm formation occurred on all substrates and showed no consistent correspondence with thermodynamic predictions. Instead, adhesion was governed by the interplay between nanoscale roughness, surface energetics, and textile architecture (e.g., yarn density and porosity), while the influence of the growth medium was comparatively minor. These results demonstrate that classical SFE-based approaches are insufficient for fibrous materials and provide new insight into a mechanistic framework linking interfacial energetics with multiscale topography in realistic textile systems, enabling more predictive design of functional and hygienic textile surfaces.

Nanocomposites of titanium dioxide (TiO2) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been considered in recent years as effective photocatalysts for the development of textiles with functional protective properties. This work presents a simple strategy for synthesis of a new type of amino/phosphate-functionalized TiO2/rGO hybrid nanocomposites on the surface of cotton fabric through an effective sol-gel and sol-gel/hydrothermal route. For this purpose, (trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (TPMP) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) were used to enhance the interfacial interaction among TiO2, rGO, and textiles, while also providing an antimicrobial bio-barrier and thermal stability in addition to the photocatalytic activity of TiO2/rGO. The analysis of the developed nanocomposites using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive Xray (EDS), X-ray diffraction microscopy (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the presence of all crucial active compounds in the composites and revealed the amorphous phase of TiO2 irrespective of the application route. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of TPMP and APTES functional groups and the formation of Si-O-Ti and Si-O-Si bonds, indicating the successful synthesis of the amino/phosphate-functionalized TiO2/rGO nanocomposite on the surface of the cotton fabric. Compared with the sol-gel/hydrothermal route, the sol-gel route proved to be more efficient and assured the tailoring of the amino/phosphate/TiO2/rGO nanocomposite with superior performance in UV protection, antimicrobial activity against bacteria E. coli and S. aureus and photocatalytic self-cleaning activity in the discolouration of Rhodamine B dye, as well as improved thermo-oxidative stability as determined through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).

In this study, a novel green process was developed to produce a multifunctional cotton (CO) fabric incorporating TiO2/curcumin composites that simultaneously provides UV protection and photocatalytic performance. For this purpose, TiO2 was synthesised using the sol–gel process; loaded with the natural colourant curcumin as a visible light absorber at two temperatures, i.e., 70 and 350 °C; and applied to the CO fabric via the pad–dry–cure process. For comparison, TiO2 was synthesised without curcumin under the same conditions. The synthesis conditions at 70 °C ensured the formation of predominantly amorphous TiO2, while curcumin promoted TiO2 crystallisation despite the low synthesis temperature. A 350 °C synthesis temperature was high enough to form the polymorphic TiO2 anatase phase. Although the increase in synthesis temperature and the presence of curcumin in the composites caused a bathochromic shift in light absorption, the photocatalytic activity of all samples was mainly driven by UV light. Chemically modifying the CO fabric significantly reduced the light transmittance of the samples, with the highest absorption of UV light obtained for the sample containing the TiO2/curcumin composite synthesised at 70 °C. This sample provided excellent UV protection with a UPF value of 51.6. All chemically modified CO samples showed photocatalytic activity, degrading coffee stains and decolourising methylene blue and Rhodamine B dye solutions. The highest photocatalytic efficiency and recyclability were obtained again for the CO sample with the TiO2/curcumin composite synthesised at 70 °C, demonstrating the synergistic effect between TiO2 and curcumin in the composite prepared under these synthesis conditions.

A smart viscose fabric with temperature and pH responsiveness and proactive antibacterial and UV protection was developed. PNCS (poly-(N-isopropylakrylamide)/chitosan) hydrogel was used as the carrier of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), synthesised in an environmentally friendly manner using AgNO3 and a sumac leaf extract. PNCS hydrogel and Ag NPs were applied to the viscose fabric by either in situ synthesis of Ag NPs on the surface of viscose fibres previously modified with PNCS hydrogel, or by the direct immobilisation of Ag NPs by the dehydration/hydration of the PNCS hydrogel with the nanodispersion of Ag NPs in the sumac leaf extract and subsequent application to the viscose fibres. Compared to the pre-functionalised PNCS application method, the in situ functionalisation imparted much higher concentration of Ag NPs on the fibres, colouring the samples brown to brown-green. These samples showed more than 90% reduction in the test bacteria E. coli and S. aureus and provided excellent UV protection. In this case, the PNCS hydrogel acted as a reservoir for Ag NPs, whose release was based on a diffusion-controlled mechanism. Despite the Ag NPs decreasing the responsiveness of the PNCS hydrogel, the moisture management was still preserved in the modified samples. Accordingly, the PNCS hydrogel is a suitable carrier for biosynthesized Ag NPs to tailor the protective smart surface of viscose fibres.

Natural fibres are increasingly valued for their sustainability, comfort, and potential health benefits. Linen is often assumed to possess inherent antibacterial properties, yet evidence remains inconsistent. This study systematically evaluated the inherent antibacterial activity of linen-based fabrics and the influence of weave structure on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. Four woven fabrics in plain, satin, cross-twill, and shaded weave were characterized for thickness, mass per unit area, air permeability, surface openness and roughness, porosity, apparent capillary radius, and wettability. Antibacterial performance was assessed through adhesion and biofilm formation assays using Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, supported by inverted phase-contrast fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy. Untreated fabrics, irrespective of weave, supported bacterial adhesion and biofilm development, refuting claims of inherent antibacterial activity. Weave structure influenced initial bacterial adhesion but not subsequent proliferation; fabrics in plain and cross-twill weave, with smaller pores, exhibited slightly lower initial adhesion than fabrics in satin and shaded weaves, though differences were not statistically significant. Surface roughness varied among weaves but did not correlate with bacterial retention. These findings highlight that physicochemical interactions between bacterial cells and linen surface predominantly determine bacterial adhesion. For applications requiring bacterial control, additional antimicrobial treatments are necessary, with weave selection modulating bacterial adhesion.

The utilization of disposable face masks is an essential approach to mitigate the transmission of microorganisms. Composed mainly of polypropylene (PP) nonwoven material, these masks do not exhibit any antimicrobial properties. This study examines the feasibility of employing Ag-based nanoparticles (NPs) as an antimicrobial agent. To activate the chemically inert PP samples, corona discharge was applied at atmospheric pressure. Subsequently, a sol-gel coating with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane was performed, which introduced amino groups necessary for the absorption of silver ions. The in situ biosynthesis of Ag-based NPs was conducted using extracts from Cannabis sativa L., Cannabaceae, and Paliurus spina-christi Mill., Rhamnaceae. Morphological and chemical changes were evaluated using FESEM, FTIR, and XPS analyses. The antimicrobial activity of the fabricated substrates was tested against the Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli, the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, and the yeast Candida albicans. Cytotoxicity assessments were conducted utilizing HaCaT and MRC5 cell lines. Findings from FESEM and AAS revealed that the size and quantity of the synthesized NPs were influenced by the plant extract used. XPS analysis confirmed the presence of NPs as a mixture of Ag2O and AgO, which achieved a remarkable bacterial reduction of 99.9% without exhibiting cytotoxic effects.

In this work, TiO 2 was applied to cotton fabric by a sol–gel-hydrothermal process. A combination of 3-(trihydroxysilyl) propyl methylphosphonate monosodium salt solution (TPMP) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) was used as a matrix to enhance the interfacial interaction between TiO 2 and surface of the cotton fibres. During the hydrothermal treatment, silver nitrate (AgNO 3 ) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were added to produce Ag-doped TiO 2 - or rGO-coupled TiO 2 -coated textiles. The successful application of all investigated components on cotton fabric was confirmed by the analysis of SEM and EDS. The results of UPF determination and self-cleaning activity showed excellent performance of both studied nanocomposite coatings, whereas the use of rGO proved to be better than Ag.

In this work, TiO2 was applied to cotton fabric by a sol–gel-hydrothermal process. A combination of 3-(trihydroxysilyl) propyl methylphosphonate monosodium salt solution (TPMP) and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES) was used as a matrix to enhance the interfacial interaction between TiO2 and surface of the cotton fibres. During the hydrothermal treatment, silver nitrate (AgNO3) or reduced graphene oxide (rGO) were added to produce Ag-doped TiO2- or rGO-coupled TiO2-coated textiles. The successful application of all investigated components on cotton fabric was confirmed by the analysis of SEM and EDS. The results of UPF determination and self-cleaning activity showed excellent performance of both studied nanocomposite coatings, whereas the use of rGO proved to be better than Ag.

Polymer-based textiles have a major impact on human well-being, as they provide the desired functional protection and aesthetic comfort when worn. However, natural and synthetic polymer-based textiles can also pose serious health risks, as they are surfaces that allow the adhesion of various bacteria, including pathogenic bacteria. To minimise these problems, antibacterial chemical treatments are generally applicable in the case of polymer-based textiles. However, to avoid the use of potentially toxic chemicals, sustainable approaches require the customised design of non-adhesive polymer-based textiles, considering their chemical, physicochemical, constructional, and textural properties. Before designing, several articles are required to gain sufficient knowledge of the described object. Despite the urgent need to combat bacteria (on polymer-based textiles), which pose a serious global health risk, only a few review articles have been published that address bacterial adhesion in the context of superhydrophobic and antibacterial textile materials, while only one review article holistically addresses the textile factors and their influence on this phenomenon. The aim of this review article is to expand the insufficient knowledge about bacterial adhesion to polymer-based textiles on the basis of theoretical findings and real examples through a high degree of structuring, simplification, holistic consideration, and visualization. Therefore, this review provides an insight into the mechanisms involved in bacterial adhesion and a comprehensive overview of the influence of different textile factors, such as chemical composition, hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, surface charge, surface free energy, roughness, and porosity, on bacterial adhesion. To emphasise the importance of the synergistic effect of the combined textile factors, examples of the influence of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity in combination with surface charge, surface roughness, and porosity are discussed. From the review, it can be concluded that the combination of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity and the surface charge of textile fibres and bacteria is crucial for bacterial adhesion, with roughness and porosity being the most important factors among the constructive and textural properties of polymer-based textiles.

Multifunctional properties are crucial for the production of high-quality technical textiles. In this study, a cotton fabric with simultaneously superior UV-protection, self-sterilisation, photocatalytic self-cleaning and flame retardant properties was produced using a sol–gel/hydrothermal process, in which titanium(IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as a titanium dioxide (TiO2) precursor was combined for the first time with mixtures of organofunctional trialkoxysiloxanes, i.e., 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (TPMP) as a P-based flame retardant and dimethyloctadecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride (SiQAC) or aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as the antimicrobial, biobarrier-forming precursors. The latter was used in two increased concentrations of APTES1 and APTES2. A sol–gel/hydrothermal approach was employed with a small amount of silver nitrate (AgNO3) added during the hydrothermal treatment to produce Ag-loaded TiO2. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the successful functionalisation of TiO2 by TPMP, SiQAC and APTES through the formation of Si–O–Ti bonds and the well-dispersed Ag/TiO2/TPMP/SiQAC, Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 and Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES2 coatings on the surface of the cotton fabric. The type of biobarrier-forming precursor significantly influenced the formation of the Ag species after the Ag loading of TiO2. The presence of SiQAC induced the formation of AgCl crystals, while APTES controlled the formation of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), which was more pronounced at the lower APTES1 concentration. The interactions between the coating components significantly influenced the functional protection performance, with the highest level of cooperation achieved in the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/SiQAC and Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 coatings, which exhibited the best overall multifunctionality, albeit with certain drawbacks. While the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 coating provided excellent UV protection for the cotton, this was only improved by the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/SiQAC coating. At the same time, the Ag/TiO2/TPMP/APTES1 coating impaired the development of the char barrier by TPMP, which is due to the formation of Ag NPs. Nevertheless, both coatings showed high photocatalytic self-cleaning performance, complete self-sterilisation activity and improved burning behaviour.

The use of nanomaterials to functionalise textiles offers new opportunities for chemical modification of textile fibres’ surfaces to achieve multifunctional protective properties. In this study, novel coatings were tailored on cotton fabric by embedding a mixture of TiO2 and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) of different molar ratios into a chitosan polymer matrix. The excitation energies of the TiO2+ZnO composites generated in the coatings ranged from 3.20 eV to 3.25 eV, indicating that the photocatalytic performance of the functionalised cotton was driven by UV light. The presence of TiO2+ZnO composites increased the UV protection factor (UPF) of the cotton fabric from 4.2 for the untreated sample to 15–21 for the functionalised samples. The UPF values of the coatings slightly decreased after repeated washing. The ZnO in the TiO2+ZnO composites conferred biocidal activity to the coatings, which were resistant to washing at higher ZnO concentrations. In addition, the TiO2 in the TiO2+ZnO composites was responsible for the enhanced photocatalytic self-cleaning of the functionalised cotton, which was observed during the initial period of illumination at lower ZnO concentrations in the composite. The main advantage of these TiO2+ZnO composite coatings is their multifunctionality, which cannot be provided by single-component TiO2 or ZnO coatings. Moreover, these coatings have wide-ranging practical applications, as they were composed of commercially available nanomaterials and were applied using conventional pad–dry–cure equipment.

Textile wastewater, which consist of a complex mixture of synthetic dyes and other organic and inorganic compounds derived from various wet chemical textile processes, can have a harmful effect on the environment; therefore, it must be properly treated before being discharged into municipal wastewater treatment plants and natural water bodies. In this scientific review, the main physical, chemical and biological processes for the removal of dyes from textile wastewater are presented, focusing on photocatalysis, which is a promising advanced oxidation process. The mechanism of photocatalysis is described and the methods used to determine the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation of dyes are presented. Recent studies involving single photocatalytic treatments of real textile wastewaters in the presence of TiO2 and ZnO as catalysts are presented. The advantages of combined processes of photocatalysis in conjunction with other chemical, physical and biological treatments to increase the efficiency of wastewater treatment are discussed. Accordingly, photocatalysis combined with H2O2, photocatalytic ozonation, a hybrid system of photocatalysis and membrane filtration, and coupled photocatalytic-biological processes are described.

The introduction of green chemistry has become urgent in the development of innovative, high-performance functional textiles to reduce the environmental footprint of their production. This study aims to develop a new eco-friendly process for the hydrothermal in-situ synthesis of TiO2 in cotton fabric and dyeing with curcumin natural dye to produce a photocatalytically active coloured textile platform with simultaneous UV protection properties. Two approaches were developed: classical, which included dyeing of the cotton samples with Curcuma longa (turmeric) extracts at different concentrations (5 g/L, 10 g/L and 15 g/L) and subsequent hydrothermal in-situ synthesis of TiO2 in the presence of the dyed cotton samples, and greener, in which simultaneous dyeing with turmeric extracts and hydrothermal in-situ synthesis of TiO2 were carried out. Since increasing the turmeric concentration hindered the photocatalytic performance of TiO2 in the chemically modified cotton samples, 5 g/L was selected as the most suitable turmeric concentration. A comparison of the chemical modification processes shows that the simultaneous dyeing of cotton with turmeric extract and hydrothermal in-situ synthesis of TiO2 was beneficial and resulted in a UV protection factor 50+, which corresponds to excellent protection category. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2 was maintained in the presence of turmeric, indicating the compatibility of both players in the chemically modified cotton, but not the creation of a turmeric–TiO2 heterojunction with visible-light-driven photocatalysis. The presence of TiO2 inhibited the photodegradation of the curcumin dye, further confirming the compatibility of the two players.

Nanocomposites constructed with heterostructures of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), silver (Ag), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for various environmental, energy, and clinical applications. In the field of textiles, Ag and TiO2 are already recognized as essential nanomaterials for the chemical surface and bulk modification of various textile materials, but the application of composites with g-C3N4 as a green and visible-light-active photocatalyst has not yet been fully established. This review provides an overview of the construction of Ag/g-C3N4, TiO2/g-C3N4, and Ag/TiO2/g-C3N4 heterostructures; the mechanisms of their photocatalytic activity; and the application of photocatalytic textile platforms in the photochemical activation of organic synthesis, energy generation, and the removal of various organic pollutants from water. Future prospects for the functionalization of textiles using g-C3N4-containing heterostructures with Ag and TiO2 are highlighted.

Herein, we present a novel approach to the development of a multifunctional, UV-protective, photocatalytic, antimicrobial and flame-retardant nanocomposite fabric surface. Using a sol-gel/hydrothermal approach, a phosphorus-based flame-retardant 3-(trihydroxysilyl)propyl methylphosphonate (TPMP) in combination with Ag-doped TiO2 was applied to the surface of cotton fibers for the first time, using an aqueous AgNO3 solution as the dopant. The modified cotton fabrics were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDS) and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) to confirm the successful application of Ag-TiO2 and TPMP on the cotton fabric by analyzing the surface morphology, chemical composition, chemical bonding and crystal structure. The functional properties of the modified cotton fabric were determined by measuring the UV protection factor (UPF), burning behavior and thermo-oxidative stability, as well as antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The results show the formation of a unique nanocomposite matrix of TPMP-polysiloxane on the surface of cotton fibers with well-distributed Ag-TiO2. The formation of TiO2/Ag2O particles on the surface of cellulose fibers was also confirmed. The synergism between all components of the nanocomposite resulted in excellent UV protection in the UVA and UVB region, with a UPF of 50+, self-sterilizing activity against both tested bacteria and enhanced thermo-oxidative stability. Therefore, the novel approach proposed herein is promising for the development of multifunctional, protective surfaces for advanced technical textiles.

Abstract Interface phenomena that occur at the solid–liquid interface, such as wettability, adsorption, and particle aggregation, depend on the kind and magnitude of the solid surface free energy and electrokinetic properties found in water solutions. These phenomena are crucial for textile dyeing, finishing, and care. They characterize the material surface and change with different material pretreatment and finishing. In this paper, electrokinetic potential, isoelectric point, point of zero charge, a specific amount of surface charge and surface free energy of raw, enzymatically scoured, bleached, and finished cotton fabrics were investigated. Electrokinetic potential was measured by a streaming potential method and a specific quantity of surface charge by the back-titration method. For determination of the solid surface free energy components, the thin-layer wicking and contact-angle methods were used. On the basis of these results, components of solid surface free energy were calculated and discussed.

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has highlighted the importance of developing antiviral surface coatings that are capable of repelling pathogens and neutralizing them through self-sanitizing properties. In this study, a novel coating design based on few-layer graphene (FLG) is proposed and silver-decorated micro copper flakes (CuMF) that exhibit both antibacterial and antiviral properties. The role of sacrificial anode surfaces and intrinsic graphene defects in enhancing the release of metal ions from CuMF embedded in water-based binders is investigated. In silico analysis is conducted to better understand the molecular interactions of pathogen-repelling species with bacterial or bacteriophage proteins. The results show that the optimal amount of CuMF/FLG in the coating leads to a significant reduction in bacterial growth, with reductions of 3.17 and 9.81 log for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. The same coating also showed high antiviral efficacy, reducing bacteriophage phi6 by 5.53 log. The antiviral efficiency of the coating is find to be doubled compared to either micro copper flakes or few-layer graphene alone. This novel coating design is versatile and can be applied to various substrates, such as personal protective clothing and face masks, to provide biocidal activity against both bacterial and viral pathogens.

Growing demand for sustainable and green technologies has turned industries and research toward the more efficient utilization of natural and renewable resources. In an effort to tackle this issue, we developed an antibacterial textile nanocomposite material based on cotton and peat fibers with immobilized Cu-based nanostructures. In order to overcome poor wettability and affinity for Cu2+-ions, the substrate was activated by corona discharge and coated with the biopolymer chitosan before the in situ synthesis of nanostructures. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images show that the application of gallic or ascorbic acid as green reducing agents resulted in the formation of Cu-based nanosheets and mostly spherical nanoparticles, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis revealed that the formed nanostructures consisted of Cu2O and CuO. A higher-concentration precursor solution led to higher copper content in the nanocomposites, independent of the reducing agent and chitosan deacetylation degree. Most of the synthesized nanocomposites provided maximum reduction of the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. A combined modification using chitosan with a higher deacetylation degree, a 1 mM solution of CuSO4 solution, and gallic acid resulted in an optimal textile nanocomposite with strong antibacterial activity and moderate Cu2+-ion release in physiological solutions. Finally, the Cu-based nanostructures partially suppressed the biodegradation of the textile nanocomposite in soil.