Structural Defect-Assisted Immature Cotton Fibers for Enhanced Natural Nanoparticle Generation

Authors: Nam, Sunghyun; RUMI, SHAIDA - Texas Tech University; ABIDI, NOUREDDINE - Texas Tech University; Kim, Hee; He, Zhongqi; Hinchliffe, Doug; KASHEM, MD NAYEEM HASAN - Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Hillyer, Matthew; King, Holly

Submitted to: Nanoscale Advances
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/5/2025
Publication Date: 7/7/2025
Citation: Nam, S., Rumi, S.S., Abidi, N., Kim, H.J., He, Z., Hinchliffe, D.J., Kashem, M., Hillyer, M.B., King, H.A. 2025. Structural Defect-Assisted Immature Cotton Fibers for Enhanced Natural Nanoparticle Generation. Nanoscale Advances. https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00188A.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D5NA00188A

Interpretive Summary: otechnology offers transformative solutions across various fields but often relies on complex and expensive chemical processes. This study reported new uses of immature cotton fibers as simple, cost-effective, and reagent-free NP producers, changing their perception from waste material to a valuable resource in sustainable nanotechnology. The structural and morphological defects in immature cotton fibers were found to play critical roles in the effective in situ synthesis of Ag NPs. The greater amount of the lumen and the primary cell walls per unit fiber weight served as reservoirs for natural reducing agents, eliminating the need for external chemical agents. The large perimeter and area of lumen, along with the fineness of immature fibers, facilitated the infusion of Ag precursor ions. As a result, compared to standard cotton fibers, immature cotton fibers led to three times higher yield of Ag NPs (ca. 10 nm in diameter) individually formed within the fiber. This finding not only provides an alternative, high-value application for immature cotton fibers but also introduces a sustainable method for NP synthesis. The resulting NP-filled cotton fibers have significant potential for integration into advanced materials with promising applications in antimicrobial filtration systems and protective healthcare products.

Technical Abstract: As a key agricultural commodity, cotton fibers play a vital role in the global economy. However, unpredictable growing conditions often result in immature cotton fibers, leading to substantial economic losses for both cotton growers and industries. This study revealed the untapped commercial potential of immature cotton fibers—their superior ability to synthesize antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs). Without external reducing or stabilizing agents, immature cotton fibers produced Ag NPs ('10 nm in diameter) at a concentration (2 wt% based on the dry fiber weight) more than three times higher than that of mature cotton fibers. This enhanced nanoparticle synthesis was attributed to structural and morphological characteristics of immature cotton fibers, which are defects in traditional textile applications. High Volume Instrument (HVI), Advanced Fiber Information system (AFIS), and fiber cross-sectional analysis showed that immature cotton fibers have a greater surface area for the infusion of Ag precursor ions and higher concentrations of natural reducing agents per unit weight due to their smaller amounts of secondary cell walls and larger amounts of primary cell walls and lumens. The resulting Ag NP-filled fibers are expected to open new market opportunities in filtration systems and biomedical applications.