Compósito de sílica e HKUST-1: uma nanoplataforma otimizada para o controle antimicrobiano em têxteis

Abstract

The development of medical textiles has intensified in recent years due to the SARS CoV-2 pandemic, the increase in bacterial resistance, and the search for technological solutions aligned with the One Health concept, highlighting the need for efficient, safe antimicrobial materials suitable for industrial application. In this context, the present study aimed to develop and characterize a hybrid nanocomposite combining the structural properties of mesoporous silica MCM-41 with the metal–organic framework HKUST-1, based on copper ions, targeting its application in antimicrobial textile finishes. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized by the co-condensation method, while isolated HKUST-1 was obtained through hydrothermic synthesis. The formation of the nanocomposites was achieved by incorporating the metal–organic phase into the silica matrix through different strategies, including adsorption processes and an evaporation route, in order to evaluate the influence of synthetic conditions on the structural organization and functional performance of the material. The materials were characterized using spectroscopic, structural, morphological, and thermal techniques, confirming the formation of the hybrid composite and the incorporation of copper into the silica matrix. Antibacterial assays demonstrated high activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae (greater than 99%), indicating that even with a reduced fraction of the metal–organic phase, the material exhibits significant antimicrobial performance, with the synthesis conditions influencing the efficiency obtained. Furthermore, the composite was applied to a textile substrate using a printing technique to evaluate its feasibility as a functional finishing. The results indicate that the association between MCM-41 and HKUST-1 represents a promising strategy for the development of antimicrobial textiles, combining efficiency, structural stability, and scalability potential.