Development of durable sulfur nanoparticle-based antifungal coatings for cotton fabrics

using the AATCC TM 30 standard test method. The SNP-treated fabrics exhibited strong antifungal activity, with significant inhibition of fungal growth compared to untreated samples. The durability of the coating was evaluated after 5 and 10 laundering cycles, and the treated fabrics retained substantial antifungal activity even after repeated washing. In particular, the persistence of inhibition zones after 10 cycles indicates effective adhesion of SNPs to the cotton fibres and highlights the potential for long-term application. The developed SNP-based treatment provides an effective, durable and metal-free antifungal solution for cotton textiles. The findings demonstrate the potential of SNPs as a sustainable alternative to conventional antifungal finishes, with promising implications for hygienic and high-performance textile applications in health care and personal protective equipment (PPE).