Modification of Cotton Fabrics with Silver Nanoparticles for Use in Conditioner Air to Minimize the Bioaerosol Concentration in Indoor Environments

Abstract

The pollution of the air and the monitoring of indoor air quality are receiving increasing attention worldwide, and many methodologies are now available to identify sources of pollution. However, there has been less work concerning the development of techniques to mitigate the effects of indoor air pollution. The aim of this study was to modify cotton fabrics with silver nanoparticles in order to use them in air conditioner filters. To achieve this goal, common fabrics purchased from commercial sources were evaluated in terms of their filtration properties (permeability, pressure drop, and collection efficiency) and were subsequently modified by impregnation with nanoparticles. This modification was achieved by immersion of the filters in nanoparticle suspensions. After drying the filter, collection of particulate matter was made in a toilet. The results showed that the filters impregnated with silver nanoparticles were able to significantly reduce the activity of microorganisms present in the airborne particulate matter, resulting in growth inhibition to the microorganisms which were retained (76.70%) and passed through (96.34%) the cotton filters.

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