A Green Approach for Modification and Functionalization of Wool Fabric Using Bio- and Nano-Technologies

Abstract In the present work, we propose a green and sustainable strategy for eco-friendly surface modification of wool structure using biosynthesized kerationlytic proteases, from C4-ITA-EGY, Streptomyces harbinensis S11-ITA-EGY and Streptomyces carpaticus S33-ITA-EGY, followed by subsequent environmentally sound functionalization of the bio-treated substrates using ZnONPs, ZrO2NPs, ascorbic acid and vanillin, individually, to impart durable antibacterial and UV-protection properties. The changes in surface modification, and the extent of functionalization of the final products were characterized by SEM, EDX, antibacterial efficacy, UV-blocking ability, loss in weight, nitrogen content and durability to wash analysis. The obtained data reveals that, the developed green wool fabrics exhibit outstanding durable antibacterial activity and UV-blocking ability for fabricating multi-functional textile products can be utilized in a wide range of sustainable protective textiles, irrespective of the used post-finishing formulation ingredients. The results also show that both modification and functionalization processes are governed by type of enzyme and kind of active material respectively. Moreover, the biosynthesized kerationlytic proteases could be accessible used to remove protein-based stains like blood and egg.