News in Brief Materials Science

Suds turn silver nanoparticles in clothes into duds

Harsh detergents destroy antibacterial particles found in athletic clothing, hospital gowns

person pouring detergent into washing machine

WASHED OUT  Detergents with bleach or bleach alternatives can take out chunks of antibacterial silver nanoparticles in addition to tough stains.

Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

By Beth Mole

- More than 2 years ago

DENVER — Life’s bleachable moments may be a death sentence for bacteria-busting silver nanoparticles.

The tiny metal balls that coat some recently manufactured athletic clothing and hospital gowns can crack and crumble when they’re washed in tough detergents that contain bleach or bleach alternatives, researchers reported March 25 at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society.