Development of Smart Nonwoven Fabric using Bio-inspired and Biocompatible Self-Assembled Nanostructures

Nano biotechnology field has opened a wide new range of possible applications for the modification of substrates and surfaces. The utilization of very small organic building blocks derived from biological systems, such as dipeptides, amino acids and nucleobases, is highly appealing. These building blocks are inexpensive and easily synthesized. One key example of such bioorganic building blocks are short aromatic dipeptide with high propensity to self-assemble. Here we aim to improve nonwoven fabric by incorporation of bio-inspired and biocompatible nanostructures. The peptide Nano-structures are used as a vehicle for encapsulation of various active compounds in order to enable their slow release from the non-woven materials. In addition, these nanostructures demonstrate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which both inhibit bacterial growth and cause bacterial cell death. By using peptide nano-assemblies, we aim to provide new functions to the non-woven fabric. We have been able to attach various nano-structures to non-woven fibers, which were observed by SEM and HR-SEM. Next, we encapsulated curcumin due to its special therapeutic properties, such as the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The curcumin encapsulation and release from the nanostructure was monitored following its fluorescent characteristics. The achievement of the research goals will result in the development and production of a new class of enhanced non-woven fabric.