Evaluation of Antibacterial Properties of Leather Treated with Silver Nanoparticles

The objective of this study is to treat leather with silver nanoparticles so as to develop antibacterial properties in the leather. The biological activity on leather shoes resulted in bacterial growth and caused the unpleasant smell. Silver nanoparticles have been known to possess some antibacterial effects and were added to the oil used in the leather processing step. A small amount of silver nanoparticles (6 and 8% v/v) were added to oil and its antibacterial properties have been evaluated using the immersion and capacity test methods. The bacteria suspension, a turbidity equivalent to a 0.5 McFarland standard was prepared for the S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. Results revealed that antimicrobial tests on samples containing silver nanoparticles showed suitable antibacterial properties indicated by the International Standard (ISO 22196) tenderness of suspension of less than 3x10(8) CFU/ml. Thus leather treated with silver nanoparticles has antibacterial properties with the tendency to reduce the unpleasant odors.