OREANDA-NEWS   Russian scientists have applied nanoparticles of zinc and titanium oxides to the fabric, creating a cotton material toxic to microorganisms.

Nanoparticles of some metal oxides effectively suppress the vital activity of bacteria, fungi and protozoa with multidrug resistance. At the same time, they are completely harmless to humans.

To increase the stability of the antibacterial coating, the researchers used ultrasonic treatment technology. This method ensures uniform distribution of nanoparticles, allows large-scale production and ensures low cost of the material.

As a result, the consumer qualities of cotton fabrics practically do not change, and the nanoparticles fixed in the fibers withstand at least 20 washing cycles.

Antimicrobial properties of the obtained tissues were successfully tested in the suburbs of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. In this region, the temperature and humidity are high — in such a climate, the rate of reproduction of microorganisms and their biological diversity is higher than in the middle zone of Russia.