Preparation of antibacterial sheepskin with silver nanoparticles, potential for use as a mattress for pressure ulcer prevention

Preparation of antibacterial sheepskin with silver nanoparticles, potential for use as a mattress for pressure ulcer prevention In the study, sheepskin was treated with silver nanoparticles, which were prepared at the concentration of 2.4 x 10(-2) g.L-1 with average particles size about 26 nm. The absorption of the silver nano particles by the sheepskin, as well as the morphology and the antibacterial effect of the treated sheepskin were investigated. The UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy indicated nearly all of the silver nanoparticles were absorbed by the sheepskin in this method. From scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, it was confirmed that the nano particles attached on the surface of the sheepskin. The antibacterial effect of the treated sheepskin was evaluated after repeated perspiration treatments. The results of antibacterial study showed that the treated sheepskin had an antibacterial inhibition ratio of 99.9% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, even after 6 cycles of perspiration treatment, the sheepskin still exhibited a durable antibacterial effect with the inhibition rate above 79.4% and 67.1% respective to the leather and the wool. Thus, comparing with traditional treatments which use toxic antibacterial agents such as phenolic active ingredients, this study has provided an eco-friendly alternative for the preparation of antibacterial sheepskin without nocuous organics, which would be potentially used as a mattress for pressure ulcer prevention.