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Polyamide-6 (PA) is a popular textile polymer having desirable mechanical and thermal properties, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. However, PA nanofibers are prone to bacterial growth and user discomfort. ε-Poly-L-lysine (PL) is non-toxic, antimicrobial, and hydrophilic but lacks spinnability due to its low molecular weight. Given its similar backbone structure to PA, with an additional amino side chain, PL was integrated with PA to develop multifunctional nanofibers. This study explores a simple, scalable method by which to obtain PL nanofibers by utilizing the structurally similar PA as the base. The goal was to enhance the functionality of PA by addressing its drawbacks. The study demonstrates spinnability of varying concentrations of PL with base PA while exploring compositions with higher PL concentrations than previously reported. Electrospinning parameters were studied to optimize the nanofiber properties. The effects of PL addition on morphology, hydrophilicity, thermal stability, mechanical performance, and long-term antimicrobial activity of nanofibers were evaluated. The maximum spinnable concentration of PL in PA-based nanofibers resulted in super hydrophilicity (0° static water contact angle within 10 s), increased tensile strength (1.02 MPa from 0.36 MPa of control), and efficient antimicrobial properties with long-term stability. These enhanced characteristics hold promise for the composite nanofiber's application in medical and protective textiles.

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The rise in the antibiotic resistance of bacteria has increased scientific interest in the study of materials with unique mechanisms of antimicrobial action. This paper presents the results of studies on the antimicrobial activity of carbon materials and textiles decorated with them. A comparative analysis of the bactericidal and fungicidal activities of graphene oxide, electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene, carbon dots, and their combinations was performed. Microbiological studies on reference strains of E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans showed that graphene oxide inhibited growth with up to 98% efficiency. Electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene was less effective (up to 40%). This study found no significant antimicrobial activity of carbon dots and the combination of carbon dots with graphene oxide significantly weakened their effectiveness. However, the combination of electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene and carbon dots exhibits a synergistic effect (up to 76%). A study on the antimicrobial activity of decorated cotton textiles demonstrated the effectiveness of antimicrobial textiles with graphene oxide, electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene, and a combination of carbon dots with electrochemically exfoliated multigraphene.

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This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activities of plant extracts from Artemisia afra and Eucalyptus globulus when used as coatings for textiles. A pulsed ultrasound-assisted extraction method (PUAE) was employed to obtain methanolic and hexanoic extracts from both plants. Eucalyptus globulus methanol extraction exhibited the highest yield at 22.76% (±0.61%), while Artemisia afra demonstrated lower yields. Phytochemical screening identified various secondary metabolites in the extracts, including phenols, quinones, and steroids. Antimicrobial tests against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli revealed varying degrees of susceptibility, with Eucalyptus globulus hexanoic extracts showing the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus at an average percentage growth of 18.74% (±0.26%). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for the extracts, but complete inhibition did not occur at concentrations below 500 µg/mL. The extracts exhibited varying effects on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli growth, with some extracts promoting bacterial growth. Coating textiles with Eucalyptus globulus methanolic extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with the highest zone of inhibition observed in cotton-coated samples (258.4 mm2). Polyester-coated samples exhibited smaller inhibition zones, with the lowest observed in Eucalyptus globulus methanolic extract coating (65.97 mm2). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed visible surface morphology changes in coated fabrics, depicting fine, cluster, lumpy, flaky, and fragment-like morphologies. Laundering effects on coated fabrics were investigated, showing a significant decrease in antimicrobial activity after washing. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) identified functional groups in the extracts associated with antimicrobial properties. The complexity of the bioactive compounds suggests potential antimicrobial efficacy, resting on factors such as geographical location, climate, and extraction methods. Notwithstanding the limitations, this study contributes valuable insights into the use of plant extracts as antimicrobial coatings for textiles.

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Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, ESKAPE pathogens, present a significant and alarming threat to public health and healthcare systems. This study addresses the urgent need to combat antimicrobial resistance by exploring alternative ways to reduce the health and cost implications of infections caused by these pathogens. To disrupt their transmission, integrating antimicrobial textiles into personal protective equipment (PPE) is an encouraging avenue. Nevertheless, ensuring the effectiveness and safety of these textiles remains a persistent challenge. To achieve this, we conduct a comprehensive study that systematically compares the effectiveness and potential toxicity of five commonly used antimicrobial agents. To guide decision making, a MULTIMOORA method is employed to select and rank the optimal antimicrobial textile finishes. Through this approach, we determine that silver nitrate is the most suitable choice, while a methoxy-terminated quaternary ammonium compound is deemed less favorable in meeting the desired criteria. The findings of this study offer valuable insights and guidelines for the development of antimicrobial textiles that effectively address the requirements of effectiveness, safety, and durability. Implementing these research outcomes within the textile industry can significantly enhance protection against microbial infections, contribute to the improvement of public health, and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.

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The global COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the importance of implementing effective measures to prevent the spread of microorganisms. Consequently, there is a growing demand for antimicrobial materials, specifically antimicrobial textiles and face masks, because of the surge in diseases caused by bacteria and viruses like SARS-CoV-2. Face masks that possess built-in antibacterial properties can rapidly deactivate microorganisms, enabling reuse and reducing the incidence of illnesses. Among the numerous types of inorganic nanomaterials, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) have been identified as cost-effective and highly efficient antimicrobial agents for inactivating microbes. Furthermore, biosurfactants have recently been recognized for their potential antimicrobial effects, in addition to inorganic nanoparticles. Therefore, this research's primary focus is synthesizing biosurfactant-mediated CuO NPs, integrating them into natural and synthetic fabrics such as cotton and polypropylene and evaluating the resulting fabrics' antimicrobial activity. Using rhamnolipid (RL) as a biosurfactant and employing a hydrothermal method with a pH range of 9-11, RL-capped CuO NPs are synthesized (RL-CuO NPs). To assess their effectiveness against gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms, the RL-CuO NPs are subjected to antibacterial testing. The RL-capped CuO NPs exhibited antimicrobial activity at much lower concentrations than the individual RL, CuO. RL-CuO NPs have shown a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.2 mg ml-1and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 1.6 mg ml-1forE. coliand a MIC of 0.8 mg ml-1and a MBC of 1.2 mg ml-1forS. aureus, respectively. Furthermore, the developed RL-CuO NPs are incorporated into cotton and polypropylene fabrics using a screen-printing technique. Subsequently, the antimicrobial activity of the coated fabrics is evaluated, revealing that RL-CuO NPs coated fabrics exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

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Antimicrobial textiles are helpful tools to fight against multidrug-resistant pathogens and nosocomial infections. The deposition of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) onto textiles has been studied to achieve antimicrobial properties. Yet, due to health and environmental safety concerns associated with such formulations, processing optimizations have been introduced: biocompatible materials, environmentally friendly agents, and delivery platforms that ensure a controlled release. In particular, the functionalization of polyester (PES) fabric with antimicrobial agents is a formulation in high demand in medical textiles. However, the lack of functional groups on PES fabric hinders the development of cost-effective, durable systems that allow a controlled release of antimicrobial agents. In this work, PES fabric was functionalized with AgNPs using one or two biocompatible layers of chitosan or hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO). The addition of organo-matrices stabilized the AgNPs onto the fabrics, protected AgNPs from further oxidation, and controlled their release. In addition, the layered samples were efficient against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The sample with two layers of chitosan showed the highest efficacy against S. aureus (log reduction of 2.15 ± 1.08 after 3 h of contact). Against E. coli, the sample with two layers of chitosan showed the best properties. Chitosan allowed to control the antimicrobial activity of AgNPs, avoid the complete loss of AgNPs after washings and act in synergy with AgNPs. After 3 h of incubation, this sample presented a log reduction of 4.81, and 7.27 of log reduction after 5 h of incubation. The antimicrobial results after washing showed a log reduction of 3.47 and 4.88 after 3 h and 5 h of contact, respectively. Furthermore, the sample with a final layer of HMDSO also presented a controlled antimicrobial effect. The antimicrobial effect was slower than the sample with just an initial layer of HMDSO, with a log reduction of 4.40 after 3 h of incubation (instead of 7.22) and 7.27 after 5 h. The biocompatibility of the composites was confirmed through the evaluation of their cytotoxicity towards HaCaT cells (cells viability > 96% in all samples). Therefore, the produced nanocomposites could have interesting applications in medical textiles once they present controlled antimicrobial properties, high biocompatibility and avoid the complete release of AgNPs to the environment.

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Personnel follow hospital policies and regulatory guidelines to prevent surgical site infections. However, a potentially contaminated item may be overlooked-the linen. When perioperative team members transport patients to the OR, the linen on the beds and transport carts can contain a variety of microorganisms. Textile surfaces can serve as reservoirs for microorganisms that can be transferred to health care providers, patients, and the environment. These pathogens may then infect patients, particularly those who are immunocompromised or have direct portals of entry (eg, catheters, incision sites). This article provides an overview of how microorganisms that cause health care-associated infections can survive and thrive on hospital linen and related equipment; discusses the linen laundering, transport, and storage processes and best practices; and discusses antimicrobial interventions-including a silver-ion laundering additive that was added as an infection prevention measure to the laundry production cycle at a medical center's contracted laundry facility.

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In this study, we developed a method to prepare inorganic nanoparticles in situ on the surface of cationized cellulose using a rapid microwave-assisted synthesis. Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) were employed as a novel type of antimicrobial agent and, using the same method, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were also prepared. The results demonstrated that both SeNPs and AgNPs of about 100 nm in size were generated on the cationized cellulose fabrics. The antibacterial tests revealed that the presence of SeNPs clearly improved the antibacterial performance of cationized cellulose in a similar way as AgNPs. The functionalised fabrics demonstrated strong antibacterial activity when assessed using the challenge test method, even after repeated washing. Microscopic investigations revealed that the bacterial cells were visually damaged through contact with the functionalised fabrics. Furthermore, the functionalised fabrics showed low cytotoxicity towards human cells when tested in vitro using an indirect contact method. In conclusion, this study provides a new approach to prepare cationic cellulose fabrics functionalised with Se or Ag nanoparticles, which exhibit excellent antimicrobial performance, low cytotoxicity and good laundry durability. We have demonstrated that SeNPs can be a good alternative to AgNPs and the functionalised fabrics have great potential to serve as an anti-infective material.

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In the context of nosocomial infections, there is an urgent need to develop efficient nanomaterials (NMs) with antibacterial properties for the prevention of infection diseases. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MeO-NPs) are promising candidates for the development of new antibacterial textiles. However, the direct exposure to MeO-NPs and MeO-coated NMs through skin contact could constitute a severe hazard for human health. In this work, the toxicity of copper and zinc oxide (CuO, ZnO) NPs antimicrobial-coated textiles was assessed on an in vitro reconstructed 3D model of epidermis. Thus, MeO-NPs and extracts from MeO-coated NMs were tested on EpiDerm™ skin model according to OECD TG 431 (Corrosion Test) and 439 (Irritation Test), respectively. Skin surface fluids composition is a crucial aspect to be considered in the development of NMs that have to encounter this tissue. So, for the irritation test, coated textiles were extracted in artificial sweat solutions at pH 4.7 and 6.5. Skin tissue viability, pro-inflammatory interleukin-8 secretion and morphological alteration of intermediate and actin filaments of keratinocytes were evaluated after 18 h exposure to extracts from CuO- and ZnO-coated textiles. Analysis of extracts at the two pH conditions indicated that released ions and not NPs are involved in promoting adverse effects on epidermis. Since Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions are known to penetrate epidermis, Balb/3 T3 cells were used as model of dermis. Fibroblasts viability was investigated after the exposure to trans-epidermis permeated ions, collected from EpiDerm™ basal supernatants, and to extracts, as representative of a direct interaction of ions with dermis cells by wounded skin. From our data we can conclude that: 1) skin surface fluids composition is a key parameter for the stability of NPs-coated textiles; 2) MeO ions released from coated textiles can deeply affect the epidermal tissue and the underlying dermal cells upon trans-epidermal permeation; 3) skin barrier integrity is a fundamental prerequisite that should be taken into account during the assessment of NMs safety by direct contact exposure.

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Chitosan is partially or completely N-deacetylated derivative of chitin and is chemically composed of ß­(1, 4) linked 2­amino­2­deoxy­ß­d­glucopyranose. Biocompatibility, non-toxicity, antifungal activity, water-binding capacity, bioactivity and antimicrobial properties make chitosan particularly attractive substitute for synthetic polymers in different application fields and notably in the textile industry. The presence of reactive amino and hydroxyl groups along the backbone conifer chitosan some interesting properties for use in textile dyeing and finishing. However, the main barrier to the use of chitosan is the lack of water solubility at neutral pH and poor durability on textile surfaces. To overcome this, chitosan has been chemically modified in several ways to obtain a wide range of important derivatives with a broad range of applications. This review is intended to provide a recent overview of chitosan and its derivatives and highlight their role in the development of antimicrobial textiles.

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Over the years the body of work relating chitosan and its possible skin-related applications has grown, showing that chitosan is active both as a free compound and as a functional finishing of textiles. As a free molecule chitosan proved itself to be an attractive option as it is biocompatible and has a demonstrated biological activity (e.g. growth inhibition or adhesion inhibition) upon multiple skin pathogens, even upon multidrug resistant species. Furthermore, chitosan has wound healing accelerating properties, which make it a prime candidate for possible control of skin related infections. Almost inconspicuously, textiles have been one the main lines of defense of the skin against foreign threats, acting as a physical barrier to microbial colonization and infection. With the advent of textile functionalization specially designed textiles with enhanced protective characteristics, such as antimicrobial capacity, have come to the forefront. Chitosan functionalized textiles have been shown to be effective inhibitors of microbial growth with even invasive multidrug resistant species, as MRSA, being inhibited. Therefore, chitosan and chitosan functionalized textiles present themselves as both an interesting alternative to traditional antibiotics and as a possible means to enhance current treatment strategies.

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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder which affects millions of population worldwide. Global estimates published in 2010 reported the world diabetic prevalence as 6.4%, affecting 285 million adults. Foot ulceration and wound infection are major forms of disabilities arising from diabetic diseases. This study was aimed to develop a natural antimicrobial finishing on medical grade textile that meets American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standard. The textile samples were finished with the ethanolic extract of Penicillium amestolkiae elv609, an endophytic fungus isolated from Orthosiphon stamineus Benth (common name: cat's whiskers). Endophyte is defined as microorganism that reside in the living plant tissue, without causing apparent disease symptom to the host. The antimicrobial efficacy of the ethanolic extract of P. minioluteum was tested on clinical pathogens isolated from diabetic wound. The extract exhibited significant inhibitory activity against 4 bacteria and 1 yeast with the minimal inhibitory concentration ranged from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL. The results indicate different susceptibility levels of the test microorganism to the ethanolic extract. However, the killing activity of the extract was concentration-dependent. The finished medical textile showed excellent antimicrobial efficacy on AATCC test assays. All the microbial cultures treated with the textile sample displayed a growth reduction of 99.9% on Hoheinstein Challenge Test. The wash durability of the finished textile was found good even after 50 washes with commercial detergent. Besides, the gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed that 6-octadecenoic acid and diethyl phthalate were the main bioactive constituents of the extract. In conclusion, the developed medical textile showed good antimicrobial efficacy on laboratory tests. This work can be extended to in vivo trials for developing healthcare textile products for antimicrobial applications.

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Previous studies on nonwovens used for respiratory protective devices (RPDs) were related to equipment intended for short-term use. There is only limited research on the development of biocidal nonwoven fabrics for reusable RPDs that could be used safely in an industrial work environment where there is a risk of microbial growth. Moreover, a new group of biocides with high antimicrobial activity-gemini surfactants, has never been explored for textile's application in previous studies. The aim of this study was to develop high-efficiency melt-blown nonwovens containing gemini surfactants with time-dependent biocidal activity, and to validate their antimicrobial properties under conditions simulating their use at a plant biomass-processing unit. A set of porous biocidal structures (SPBS) was prepared and applied to the melt-blown polypropylene (PP) nonwovens. The biocidal properties of the structures were triggered by humidity and had different activation rates. Scanning electron microscopy was used to undertake structural studies of the modified PP/SPBS nonwovens. In addition, simulation of plant biomass dust deposition on the nonwovens was performed. The biocidal activity of PP/SPBS nonwovens was evaluated following incubation with Escherichia coli and Aspergillus niger from the American Type Culture Collection, and with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Penicillium chrysogenum isolated from the biomass. PP/SPBS nonwovens exhibited antimicrobial activity to varying levels. Higher antimicrobial activity was noted for bacteria (R = 87.85-97.46%) and lower for moulds (R = 80.11-94.53%).

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This paper introduces cotton fibers impregnated with biogenic silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), synthesized from a Fusarium oxysporum fungal filtrate (FF) solution, and open up the possibility for their use in medical environment and agriculture clothing as means to avoid microbial spreading. After thorough AgNPs characterization, regarding their physical, chemical and biochemical properties, Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) against some human and orange tree pathogens were determined. We report the strong AgNPs activity against Candida parapsilosis and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac) that was morphologically characterized, pointing to strong AgNPs effects on microorganisms' membranes. Cotton fibers were then impregnated with AgNPs suspension and these maintained strong antimicrobial activity even after repeated mechanical washing cycles (up to 10). Reported data might point to an application for biogenic AgNPs as potent agrochemicals, as well as, to their application in textiles for antiseptic clothing for medical and agronomic applications.

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Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disorder which affects millions of population worldwide. Global estimates published in 2010 reported the world diabetic prevalence as 6.4%, affecting 285 million adults. Foot ulceration and wound infection are major forms of disabilities arising from diabetic diseases. This study was aimed to develop a natural antimicrobial finishing on medical grade textile that meets American Association of Textiles Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) standard. The textile samples were finished with the ethanolic extract of Penicillium amestolkiae elv609, an endophytic fungus isolated from Orthosiphon stamineus Benth (common name: cat's whiskers). Endophyte is defined as microorganism that reside in the living plant tissue, without causing apparent disease symptom to the host. The antimicrobial efficacy of the ethanolic extract of P. minioluteum was tested on clinical pathogens isolated from diabetic wound. The extract exhibited significant inhibitory activity against 4 bacteria and 1 yeast with the minimal inhibitory concentration ranged from 6.25 to 12.5 mg/mL. The results indicate different susceptibility levels of the test microorganism to the ethanolic extract. However, the killing activity of the extract was concentration-dependent. The finished medical textile showed excellent antimicrobial efficacy on AATCC test assays. All the microbial cultures treated with the textile sample displayed a growth reduction of 99.9% on Hoheinstein Challenge Test. The wash durability of the finished textile was found good even after 50 washes with commercial detergent. Besides, the gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed that 6-octadecenoic acid and diethyl phthalate were the main bioactive constituents of the extract. In conclusion, the developed medical textile showed good antimicrobial efficacy on laboratory tests. This work can be extended to in vivo trials for developing healthcare textile products for antimicrobial applications.

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BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces and linens in an acute care hospital to reduce health care-associated infections (HAIs). METHODS: We performed a quasiexperimental study with a control group, assessing development of HAIs due to multidrug resistant organisms (MDROs) and Clostridium difficile in the acute care units of a community hospital following the replacement of a 1970s-era clinical wing with a new wing outfitted with copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces and linens. RESULTS: The study was conducted over a 25.5-month time period that included a 3.5-month washout period. HAI rates obtained from the copper-containing new hospital wing (14,479 patient-days; 72 beds) and the unmodified hospital wing (19,177 patient-days) were compared with those from the baseline period (46,391 patient-days). The new wing had 78% (P = .023) fewer HAIs due to MDROs or C difficile, 83% (P = .048) fewer cases of C difficile infection, and 68% (P = .252) fewer infections due to MDROs relative to the baseline period. No changes in rates of HAI were observed in the unmodified hospital wing. CONCLUSIONS: Copper-impregnated composite hard surfaces and linens may be useful technologies to prevent HAIs in acute care hospital settings. Additional studies are needed to determine whether reduced HAIs can be attributed to the use of copper-containing antimicrobial hard and soft surfaces.

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Soft surfaces in the health-care setting harbor potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi that can be transferred to patients and personnel. We evaluated the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of two types of innovative copper-coated textiles against a variety of nosocomial multi-drug resistant (MDR) pathogens. Five isolates each of MDR Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii and Enterococcus faecium as well as three Candida parapsilosis were tested. The antimicrobial activity of copper-coated para-aramide and copper-coated polyester swatches was compared to that of non-copper coated controls using a quantitative method. Reduction of viable colonies by >3log10 from starting inoculum was characterized as bactericidal activity. No viable colonies of S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. faecium and C. parapsilosis were recovered after the first hour of contact while for A. baumannii, no viable colonies were recovered after only 15min of contact with either type of copper-coated textiles. Copper-coated para-aramide exhibited a bactericidal effect at 15min of contact with A. baumannii, at 1h with S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. faecium and C. parapsilosis and at 3h with K. pneumoniae. Copper-coated polyester was bactericidal at 15min of contact for A. baumannii and at 1h for the other species tested. Both copper-coated textiles exhibited a rapid and significant antimicrobial effect. Antimicrobial textiles may have a role in the arsenal of strategies aiming to reduce environmental contamination in the health-care setting.

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This work describes a gelation of chitosan solution with silver nitrate. Above the critical concentration of chitosan (c*), continuous hydrogels of chitosan-silver can be formed. At lower concentrations, the formation of nano- and micro-hydrogels is discussed. The sol-gel analysis was performed to characterise the hydrogels' swelling properties. Moreover, the following were employed: (i) mechanical testing of hydrogels, (ii) inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) for the measurement of silver concentration, (iii) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the morphology of products obtained, and (iv) dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV-vis spectrophotometry to examine products formed at low concentration of chitosan (c

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