Preparation of Sheep Fur Treated with Silver Nanoparticles

摘要

The sheep fur was treated with nano-silver colloidal solution (average particle size：20-30 nm) made in our laboratory for a medical use as mattress. Antibacterial property was evaluated by shake flask method and agar diffusion plate method against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli and acinetobacter) bacteria. The dry and wet rubbing properties and the perspiration resistance of the treated sheep fur were measured for the antibacterial sustainability. Also, the structure and the morphology of the nano-silver particles on the woolskin were observed by an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. Furthermore, the air and water vapor permeability of the treated fur were tested for studying the hygienic performance. The results indicated that the nano-silver particles were evenly absorbed to the surface of the treated fur with a medium rubbing fastness. It had a distinct antibacterial activity against four kinds of bacteria and could be used as a potential medical mattress.