Chitin, as one of nature’s most abundant structural polysaccharides, possesses worldwide, high industrial potential and a functionality that is topically pertinent. Nowadays, the metallization of naturally predesigned, 3D chitinous scaffolds originating from marine sponges is drawing focused attention. These invertebrates represent a unique, renewable source of specialized chitin due to their ability to grow under marine farming conditions. In this study, the development of composite material in the form of 3D chitin-based skeletal scaffolds covered with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and Ag-bromide is described for the first time. Additionally, the antibacterial properties of the obtained materials and their possible applications as a water filtration system are also investigated.

This study focuses on functionalized nonwoven fabrics, modified with complexes of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and divalent metal ions (M²⁺). A bioactive PDMAEMA with tertiary amines was synthesized and applied to nonwoven fabrics using a spray-coating method. Functionalization was achieved by in situ complexation on PDMAEMA-modified nonwovens with solutions of divalent metal salts. The aim of the study was to demonstrate that the proposed textiles can serve as biologically active materials, effectively inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria. The modification process was designed to ensure that the amount of PDMAEMA was sufficient to cover the entire surface of the nonwoven fabric. The weight efficiency of the polymer application was approximately 1.4% and 2.0%. The presence of the polymer was confirmed through functional group analysis and electrokinetic property measurements. The PDMAEMA surface layer on the nonwoven fabrics was subsequently cross-linked by divalent metal ions (M²⁺), supplied from aqueous solutions of the corresponding salts, thereby converting the modifier into an insoluble form. Morphological changes in the functionalized nonwoven fabrics demonstrated the effect of the complexes on surface topography. Energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis confirmed the presence of metal ions on the functionalized nonwoven fabrics. The modified polylactide (PLA) nonwoven fabrics exhibited antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli.