Nanotextiles could be an innovative way to stop the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms [1]. Since it is known that nonorganic nanoparticles can enter the human body through the respiratory and digestive systems, as well as via skin contact [2], studying their toxicity is essential.
This study aims to assess the potential cytotoxicity of an antibacterial nanotextile, created by depositing WO₃ nanoparticles onto a textile surface through low-temperature glow discharge plasma sputtering in a pure oxygen atmosphere. The properties of the deposited thin films were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). Using human endothelial HUVEC cells, the cytotoxic characteristics of the textile modified with WO3 nanoparticles were evaluated in vitro by MTT assay and by assessing cell viability with the live-cell fluorescent dye calcein-AM. No indication of either short-term (24-hour exposure) or long-term (72-hour exposure) toxicity was observed in textiles treated with WO3 nanoparticles, as cell viability remained above 70 %.
This study highlights the potential of WO₃ nanoparticle-modified textiles as a biocompatible alternative to conventional antimicrobial treatments, offering a promising global solution for combating microbial infections.