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.
Louisiana State University Professor Shelly Pate Kerns says a late freeze forced widespread replanting of some crops across the state.
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Georgia Rep. Jaclyn Ford reflects on her farming roots and cotton gin experience, saying agriculture drives her work and rural policy priorities in the state.
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David Fisher with the American Lamb Board joined us to discuss a new sustainability program designed to boost producer profitability while supporting stewardship practices.
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