Investigation of cotton functionalized with ZnO nanorods and its interaction with E. coli

Cotton fabric was functionalized with zinc oxide nanorods using an optimized hydrothermal growth strategy that provides uniform coverage of the cotton surface. The cotton bearing ZnO nanorods exhibits a lower propensity for contact transfer of E. coli than unmodified cotton fabric. The ZnO nanorods also impart modest antibacterial activity. Prospects in sterile packaging, wound dressing, and non-fouling textiles are discussed.