0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Environmental Sources Human Health Effects Marine & Wildlife Sign in to save

New Insights into Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties, Cytotoxicity and Aquatic Ecotoxicity of Flame Retardant PA6/DOPO-Derivative Nanocomposite Textile Fibers

Polymers 2021 8 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 40 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Jelena Vasiljević, Danaja Štular, Gabriela Kalčíková, Janja Zajc, Matic Šobak, Andrej Demšar, Brigita Tomšič, Barbara Simončić, Marija Čolović, Vid Simon Šelih, Ivan Jerman

Summary

Researchers developed flame-retardant polyamide 6 textile fibers incorporating a DOPO-derivative at 10-15 wt% and evaluated their antibacterial, antifungal, cytotoxicity, and aquatic ecotoxicity properties, finding that while flame retardancy was effective, biological and environmental safety must be considered.

Polymers
Body Systems
Study Type In vitro

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal activity, cytotoxicity, leaching, and ecotoxicity of novel flame retardant polyamide 6 (PA6) textile fibers developed by our research group. The textile fibers were produced by the incorporation of flame-retardant bridged 9,10-dihydro-9-oxa-10-phosphaphenanthrene-10-oxide (DOPO) derivative (PHED) in the PA6 matrix during the in situ polymerization process at concentrations equal to 10 and 15 wt% (PA6/10PHED and PA6/15PHED, respectively). Whilst the nanodispersed PHED provided highly efficient flame retardancy, its biological activity led to excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as excellent antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans. The results confirmed leaching of the PHED, but the tested leachates did not cause any measurable toxic effect to the duckweed Lemna minor. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the leached PHED from the PA6/15PHED sample was confirmed for human cells from adipose tissue in direct and prolonged contact. The targeted biological activity of the organophosphinate flame retardant could be beneficial for the development of PA6 textile materials with multifunctional properties and the low ecotoxicity profile, while the PHED's leaching and cytotoxicity limit their application involving the washing processes and direct contact with the skin.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

Unraveling the ecological impact of textile microfibers: Current knowledge and research challenges

This review examines the ecological impact of textile microfibers, a major subset of microplastic pollution released during laundry and fabric wear. Researchers found significant knowledge gaps regarding how these fibers affect organisms and ecosystems, particularly when interacting with other environmental contaminants. The study calls for more standardized research methods and greater attention to this pervasive but understudied form of microplastic pollution.

Article Tier 2

Toxic Chemicals in Textiles and the Role of Microplastic Fibres as a Source and Vector for Chemicals to the Environment

This review examines how the chemical-intensive textile industry releases toxic substances throughout the product lifecycle, and critically evaluates the contested role of microplastic fibers as vectors for transporting chemical contaminants to biota and the broader environment.

Article Tier 2

Toxicity Study of Textile Materials from Natural and Synthetic Polymers Using Bioassay Techniques: Sperm Motility Inhibition Test and Daphnia magna Acute Immobility Test

Eleven textile materials made from natural and synthetic polymers were assessed for toxicity using sperm motility inhibition tests with bull spermatozoa and Daphnia magna acute immobility tests. The comparative analysis found both methods provide useful but complementary information on textile extract toxicity.

Article Tier 2

Facile Fabrication of Highly Efficient Chitosan-Based Multifunctional Coating for Cotton Fabrics with Excellent Flame-Retardant and Antibacterial Properties

Researchers developed an eco-friendly chitosan-based coating for cotton fabrics that provides both flame-retardant and antibacterial properties. The coating was created by protonating chitosan with amino trimethylene phosphonic acid in a high atom-economy process. The study demonstrates a sustainable alternative to synthetic fabric treatments that could help reduce the release of harmful microplastic fibers from conventional coated textiles.

Article Tier 2

Unraveling Physical and Chemical Effects of Textile Microfibers

This review examines both the physical and chemical effects of textile microfibers on organisms, discussing how these most prevalent microplastics expose biota to manufacturing chemicals and environmental contaminants across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

Share this paper