One-pot multi-functional finishing of wool fabric using reactive nonionic softener.

Crossbred wool is widely used in the textile and clothing fields. Nevertheless, the surface roughness of crossbred wool fabric is higher than that of Merino wool. Herein we propose a reactive nonionic softener (RNS) based on fatty acid (FA) and 2-amino-2-methyl propane diol (AMPD) to impart desirable multi-functions for crossbred wool fabric, such as improved smoothness, enhanced wettability, and induced resistance to felting shrinkage. Adopting the pad-dry-cure method, treatment of wool with the said softener was carried out using different concentrations of FA/AMPD condensate at different curing temperatures and durations. The results showed that the highest fabric surface smoothness was attained when wool fabric was treated with 3.5% (o.w.f.) RNS, and the curing temperature and time were 130 °C and 5 min, respectively. The surface smoothness of the treated fabric and its resistance to felting shrinkage were increased by 21.7% and 90% respectively. The effects of treatment of wool with the RNS on its bending stiffness, air and water permeability, yellowness, electrostatic charge, and ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) were monitored. The reaction mechanism between the used RNS and wool was studied using FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopic investigation showed a layer of the used RNS on the surface of the treated fabric. The finished fabric retained its air permeability and dyeability with anionic dye. The imparted fabric smoothness was find to be durable against washing until 5 washing cycles, and decreased by 5.5% of after 10 washing cycles respectively.

Synergistic effect of sericin and keratin in gelatin based nanofibers for in vitro applications.

Protein-based nanomaterials are gaining growing interest in biomedical field. The present paper evaluates the physico-chemical properties of electrospun nanofibers resulting from the combination of gelatin with keratin (from wool) and sericin (from silk) to validate their use for in vitro interaction studies. We demonstrated that that presence of sericin influences the fiber morphology at macroscopic level - i.e., wide diameter distributions by SEM and image analysis - with effects on chemical - i.e., a decrease of hydrogen bonds of NH groups verified by infrared spectroscopy - and thermal behavior of electrospun nanofibers, in comparison with gelatin-based ones. Moreover, we verified that sericin, in combination with keratin macromolecules, can amplify the biochemical signal of gelatin, improving the in-vitro stability of gelatin-based nanofibers. In vitro results confirm a synergistic effect of sericin and keratin on human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSC) proliferation - increase over 50% respect to other types - associated to the enhancement of in vitro stability directly ascribable to the peculiar physical interaction among the proteins. These findings suggest the use of sericin/keratin/gelatin enriched electrospun fibers as nanostructured platforms for interface tissue engineering.

Identification of inhibitors of a bacterial sigma factor using a new high-throughput screening assay.

Gram-negative bacteria are formidable pathogens because their cell envelope presents an adaptable barrier to environmental and host-mediated challenges. The stress response pathway controlled by the alternative sigma factor σ(E) is critical for maintenance of the cell envelope. Because σ(E) is required for the virulence or viability of several Gram-negative pathogens, it might be a useful target for antibiotic development. To determine if small molecules can inhibit the σ(E) pathway, and to permit high-throughput screening for antibiotic lead compounds, a σ(E) activity assay that is compatible with high-throughput screening was developed and validated. The screen employs a biological assay with positive readout. An Escherichia coli strain was engineered to express yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) under negative regulation by the σ(E) pathway, such that inhibitors of the pathway increase the production of YFP. To validate the screen, the reporter strain was used to identify σ(E) pathway inhibitors from a library of cyclic peptides. Biochemical characterization of one of the inhibitory cyclic peptides showed that it binds σ(E), inhibits RNA polymerase holoenzyme formation, and inhibits σ(E)-dependent transcription in vitro. These results demonstrate that alternative sigma factors can be inhibited by small molecules and enable high-throughput screening for inhibitors of the σ(E) pathway.

Salicylic acid and some of its derivatives as antibacterial agents for viscose fabric.

Salicylic acid and three of its derivatives were used to provide antibacterial properties to viscose fabrics. The four bactericides used were bonded to the viscose fabrics using epichlorohydrin or polymer binders. Optimization of the salicylic acid and its derivatives as well as the concentration of polymers was reported. The ability of the polymer binders to attract and bind the four bactericides was observed. The overall results show that the antibacterial reactivity of salicylic acid and its derivatives are in the following order 5-bromosalicylic acid>salicylic acid>5-chlorosalicylic acid>4-chlorosalicylic acid. Using epichlorohydrin as a binding agent, unfortunately, inhibits the bactericidal activity of the four bactericides. The FTIR study concludes that the reaction between salicylic acid as well as its derivatives with epichlorohydrin takes place through the phenolic group of the acids. The unexpected deterioration in the bactericidal properties of salicylic acid and its derivatives as a result of the treatment with epichlorohydrin could be due to the nature of interaction between the epichlorohydrin molecule and the acids molecules. PVP and PU show superior ability to sustain the four bactericides used even after 10 washing cycles.