Abstract
This research is a continuous innovation providing a new efficient alternative to reduce and control the COVID–19 pandemic. The approach involves coating a TC fabric with Ag–TiO2/WPU nanocomposite to create a prototype of medical uniform with self–disinfecting against microorganisms such as COVID–19 virus (SARS–CoV–2), human coronavirus (HCoV–OC43), Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The self–disinfecting medical uniform demonstrates a consistent ability to eliminate these pathogens, even after undergoing 20 wash cycles according to the AATCC 135 standard. It meets established efficacy standards with rates above 99% for ISO 18184:2019 and exceeding 99.99% for AATCC TM 100:2019. This prolonged self–disinfecting property of the medical uniform is attributed to the synergistic effect of nanosilver and nanotitanium dioxide, contributing to controlled release mechanisms that enhance efficacy in pathogen eradication. In addition, the cytotoxicity test was determined according to ISO 10993-5:2009 standard to ensure that our medical uniform is safe and non-toxic to humans and animals (% cell viability > 70%). Moreover, the production process developed in this research is scalable for industrial applications, promising a substantial integration of technology into the industry.
