In a groundbreaking development that could revolutionize both textile waste management and the biomedical industry, researchers have successfully transformed post-consumer cotton waste into high-value, antibacterial viscose fibers. This innovative process, detailed in a recent study published in Materials Research Express, opens new avenues for sustainable and functional materials.
The study, led by Rois Uddin Mahmud from the Department of Textile Engineering at BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology in Dhaka, Bangladesh, focuses on converting cellulosic textile waste into viscose fiber using a xanthation technique. But the innovation doesn’t stop there. The researchers went a step further by functionalizing the viscose fiber with chitosan, a natural polymer known for its antibacterial properties. This chitosan-functionalized viscose (CFV) fiber shows promise for a range of biomedical applications, including sanitary pads.
The process involves an economic up-cycling wet spinning integrated chitosan coating approach, which not only addresses environmental concerns but also creates a product with enhanced properties. “The surface of CFV fiber is uneven, hazy, and rough,” Mahmud explains, “and its average fiber diameter is 15.65 ± 1.75 μm, which is higher than commercial viscose fiber.” This unique surface morphology contributes to the fiber’s strength and antibacterial properties.
The antibacterial effects of the CFV fiber are particularly noteworthy. The study reports significant zones of inhibition against E. coli, S. Typhi, and S. aureus, measuring 17 ± 1.2 mm, 13 ± 0.8 mm, and 10 ± 1.1 mm, respectively. This indicates a strong potential for the CFV fiber to be used in medical textiles where infection control is crucial.
The implications of this research are vast. For the textile industry, it offers a sustainable solution to the growing problem of textile waste. By up-cycling post-consumer cotton waste into high-value fibers, the industry can reduce its environmental footprint while creating new revenue streams. For the biomedical sector, the development of antibacterial fibers could lead to more effective and safer medical textiles, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Muhammad further elaborates on the commercial impact, stating, “The development process and results confirm the successful formation of CFV fiber and highlight its potential for sustainable biomedical applications compared to other alternatives.” This not only underscores the technical success of the research but also hints at the economic viability of scaling up this technology.
As the world continues to grapple with environmental challenges and the need for sustainable solutions, innovations like this one are crucial. By transforming waste into valuable resources, we can create a more circular economy, where waste is minimized, and resources are used efficiently. This research, published in Materials Research Express, is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking in addressing global challenges.
