One step synthesis of silver nanoparticles and discoloration of blue cotton denim garment in alkali media

In this study a simple green route was used for producing worn-look denim garments with antibacterial property. Silver nanoparticles were successfully synthesized on denim fabrics by reducing silver nitrate using cellulosic chains of cotton, starch and/or glucose in alkali media. Glucose had the ability to reduce indigo dye and resulted in better control of particle size and stability. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV–vis spectroscopy were employed to characterize the synthesized Ag nanoparticles. The treated denim fabrics were also characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy and colorimetric measurements. The results indicated the successful synthesis of nano silver particles with average particle size of 30–40 nm on the indigo dyed cellulosic fabric along with denim color reduction. Although the fabrics showed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, a decrease in the antibacterial feature was observed in presence of glucose as a suitable nutrient for the growth of bacteria.