In a breakthrough for sustainable hygiene, USDA researchers have developed a reusable antimicrobial wipe
made entirely from cotton, offering an eco-friendly alternative to the single-use synthetic wipes.
The innovation centers around a new process that allows
cotton fibers to naturally form silver nanoparticles, which
are known for their powerful bacteria-killing properties.
These wipes maintain their antimicrobial efficacy through
up to 30 washes.“We let cotton fibers self-produce
nanoparticles naturally,” said Sunghyun Nam, a lead
USDA researcher on the project. “These nanoparticles
remain embedded in the fiber and release a minimal,
controlled amount of antimicrobial agents over time,
making the wipes safe, effective, and long-lasting.”
The product, which is already patent-pending, is being
readied for commercial use, potentially offering both
consumers and institutions a sustainable alternative that
reduces waste while maintaining hygiene standards.