• antibacterial
• antiviral
• copper
• nanofibers
• nanoparticles

The aim of this work is to discuss the production of metal nanoparticles, in particular copper nanoparticles, and their application as antibacterial and antiviral agents in materials and (bio)materials. CuNPs were synthetized by wet chemical reduction reactions, with particular attention to the choice of reagents. Then, copper nanoparticles were functionalized on the surface of electrospun nanofibers, to realize a prototype of textiles with antiviral properties. Characterization techniques such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), UV-VIS spectroscopy and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) were performed to observe morphological and chemical properties of CuNPs and electrospun nanofibers. Cytotoxicity assays were performed to test and discuss toxic effect of CuNPs on cells. Finally, antiviral (and antibacterial) test on samples were performed and discussed.