Attaching different kinds of proteinaceous nanospheres to a variety of fabrics using ultrasound radiation

Abstract

The application of a rapid, non-destructive, cost-effective technique such as ultrasonic emulsification for the coating of different textiles was explored. The technical benefits for this research were the generation of multifunctional materials and their combinations through environmentally friendly processing technologies. We have shown for the first time that ultrasonic waves can be used to coat proteinaceous micro- and nanospheres (PM) of BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin) protein and casein on the surface of cotton and polyester (PE) fabrics. The creation and the anchoring of the microbubbles to the fabrics were performed by a one step reaction, and the process is usually stopped after 3 min. The PM of bovine serum albumin (BSA) bonded to cotton and polyester fabrics has shown stability for ~9 months. The PMs were shown to be attached more strongly to the polyester than to the cotton, and sustained stronger washing conditions on PE. The diameter of the BSA and the casein spheres on cotton was in the range of 0.8–1.0 µm, while on the PE it varied between 60 and 120 nm.