USDA researchers have developed a reusable antimicrobial wipe made from cotton.
They say it offers a sustainable alternative to the single-use synthetic wipes that dominate the market.
A USDA researcher, who helped lead the project, says they found a way for cotton fibers to naturally form silver nanoparticles, which kill bacteria through 30 washes.
“We can use those wipes made of a nanoparticle-filled cotton fiber and continuously wash after wash. We let cotton fiber self-produce nanoparticles naturally, so that nanoparticles are tagged or trapped within the fiber so that they don’t reach out, but release a very small amount of anti-microbial continuously so that we can use it for the whole course of the lifetime of a textile product,” said Sunghyun Nam.
She adds that the innovation is already patent-pending and being prepared for commercial use.
China may no longer serve as a consistent anchor market for U.S. cotton exports. Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us to discuss the factors influencing planting decisions, river conditions, and what producers are considering as they finalize acreage plans for the season.
March 03, 2026 07:00 AM
·
Crop value concentration keeps farm income tied closely to commodity price cycles.
March 02, 2026 01:23 PM
·
Restored base acres strengthen cotton risk protection.
March 01, 2026 05:00 AM
·
A stalled World Trade Organization appeals body increases long-term trade policy risk for U.S. agriculture.
February 26, 2026 06:00 AM
·
For communities that depend on agriculture as their primary economic engine, the recession is not defined by headlines on Wall Street. It is defined by the quiet disappearance of the businesses that once processed, serviced, and supported the crop.
February 25, 2026 05:00 AM
·
Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
February 24, 2026 09:00 AM
·
