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.