Dual inactivation mechanism of photocatalysis and metal ions induces broad-spectrum antibacterial polyethylene fabric to resist bio-infection

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a persistent challenge in healthcare settings, driving the urgent need for advanced protective textiles that offer both barrier and antimicrobial capabilities. Polyethylene (PE) fiber-based protective suits present a promising solution to mitigate HAIs, owing to their lightweight nature, high tensile strength, and chemical resistance—properties essential for extended wear in clinical environments. However, the intrinsic lack of antimicrobial activity in PE fibers restricts their efficacy in preventing cross-infections. In this work, we report the development of a scalable, environmentally sustainable PE@ZIF-8 antibacterial nonwoven fabric, fabricated via a basic chemical immersion process. This method involves -COOH grafting through a diazonium reaction, enabling the uniform growth of ZIF-8 nanocrystals on the PE fibers. The resulting fabric demonstrates a broad-spectrum antibacterial efficacy of 99.9 % against E. coli and B. subtilis , attributed to a dual mechanism involving photocatalysis and Zn²⁺ release. Furthermore, the PE@ZIF-8 fabric retains favorable hydrophobicity, permeation resistance, and mechanical properties, all of which meet practical performance standards for protective textiles. This work provides a significant advancement in infection control, addressing both antimicrobial protection and the practical wearability of PE-based protective gear, offering a viable solution for infection-prone medical environments.