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Composite consisting of silver nanoparticles coordinated to poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) macroporous copolymer was prepared by attachment of amino group to the poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) in the reaction with ethylene diamine, and consequent reduction of silver ions with amino groups at elevated temperature. The infrared measurements indicated that surface of silver nanoparticles is passivated through the coordination of the lone pair on the N atom of the imine present in the skeleton of the poly(GMA-co-EGDMA) copolymer. The inductively coupled plasma atomic emission, UV-Vis reflection spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy measurements revealed the high content (52 wt%) of well-separated silver nanoparticles in the size range of 5-10 nm onto composite. Antimicrobial efficiency of composite was tested against Gram-negative bacteria E. coli, Gram-positive bacteria S. aureus, and fungus C. albicans in wide concentration range of composite. The composite ensured almost maximum reduction of both bacteria, while the fungi reduction reached 96.5 %.

This study discusses the possibility of using the corona (electric discharge at atmospheric pressure) treatment for fiber surface activation that can facilitate the loading of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) from colloids onto the polyester and polyamide fabrics and thus enhance their antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The laundering durability of achieved effects and the influence of dyeing of fabrics with disperse dyes on their antifungal efficiency were studied. The morphology of fibers loaded with Ag nanoparticles was characterized by SEM whereas X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy was used for the evaluation of surface chemical changes. Corona pretreated polyester and polyamide fabrics loaded with Ag nanoparticles showed better antifungal properties compared to untreated fabrics. The advantage of corona treated fabrics became even more prominent after washing test, particularly for polyester fabrics. Antifungal efficiency of polyester and polyamide fabrics loaded with Ag nanoparticles were almost unaffected by dyeing process.