Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized by using leaf extracts of Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C. (Kale), and the antibacterial character of cotton fabric loaded with these nanoparticle solutions was tested against four different bacteria. The conditions for preparing nanoparticle solutions were optimized by adjusting time, volume and concentration of silver nitrate solutions. UV-Vis spectroscopy, SEM-EDS, FT-IR and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) were used for the characterization of AgNPs. The synthesized nanoparticles from Kale have spherical shapes with an average size of 25±5 nm. The antibacterial effect of nanoparticles on 4 different bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis) was determined using the Kirby-Bauer Disc diffusion and broth microdilution methods. AgNPs obtained from Kale leaves were found to have the highest activity towards E. coli (15 mm) and E. faecalis (15 mm), and nanoparticles synthesized from Kale petioles showed the most effective antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa (14 mm). Cotton fabric loaded with these nanoparticles displayed high antibacterial activity against E. coli (18 mm) and S. aureus (18 mm). Although cotton fabrics that were treated with AgNPs were washed with ultra pure water for 20 minutes, they still exhibited good durability in terms of antibacterial character. In conclusion, cotton fabric containing AgNPs showed an antibacterial activity against E. coli, E. faecalis, P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. AgNPs synthesized from aqueous extracts of Kale can be employed for economical production of antimicrobial cotton fabrics.

26.2.2021