Green Synthesis of Organo-Montmorillonite/Silver Nanocomposites on Dyed Cotton with Vat Dyes to Achieve Biocompatible Antibacterial Properties on Fashionable Clothing

This study proposes a green and easy route for synthesizing clay/silver nanocomposite on denim fabric which can instantaneously discolor the garment and produce antibacterial effects during a one-step process with minimal toxicity to humans. Synthesis of organo-Montmorillonite/silver nanocomposite was carried out by reducing silver nitrate to nanosilver in the presence of a reducing agent and its attachment to opened layers of clay particles throughout a one-step process. Colorimetric properties were examined using L*a*b* values to understand the changes in denim color after the action of organo-montmorillonite (O-MMt) and nanosilver, which confirmed the dye removal action of clay/silver nanocomposite. UV-visible data proved the successful synthesis of nanosilver in addition to the indigo dye removal from the remaining effluent by exhibiting no peaks at 406 nm and 601.2 nm. SEM and TEM images depicted the shape and position of opened O-MMt layers, silver nanoparticles, and O-MMt/silver nanocomposites, verified by EDX, XRD, and FTIR data. Antibacterial examination showed noticeable results with maximum effectiveness of 100% against the growth of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria with acceptable cell viability of 94% with no detectable changes in cell shape and size.