An evolution towards more functional and sustainable materials has occurred in the textile industry in recent years. Incorporating chitosan nanoparticles into textiles has been identified as a promising innovation, particularly in improving the antibacterial qualities, general performance, and durability of textiles. With a long history of use in a variety of sectors, chitosan is a byproduct of the deacetylation of chitin, which is widely present in the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. Because of its unique qualities, chitosan, a naturally occurring biopolymer made from chitin—the primary ingredient in crab shells—has attracted much attention lately. Chitosan becomes an even more adaptable substance with uses in a variety of industries, such as textiles, agriculture, and medicine, when it is reduced to nanoparticle form.
The history of chitosan begins with the French scientist Henri Braconnot’s discovery of the substance in the early 1800s. Nevertheless, the latter part of the 20th century saw a relative exploration of its possible applications. Chitosan’s distinct qualities—such as its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity—were gradually identified by scientists, opening the door for its application in a variety of industries, including textiles, medicine, and agriculture. The textile industry started looking for environmentally friendly substitutes for conventional antibacterial treatments, accelerating the development of textiles’ chitosan nanoparticles. With its natural source and adaptable qualities, chitosan was a compelling choice. A turning point was reached in the quest for eco-friendly and high-performing textiles when chitosan nanoparticles were introduced instead of traditional textile treatments.
Because chitosan is cationic and can interact with negatively charged bacterial cell membranes, it has antibacterial characteristics. Due to the disruption of the membrane structure caused by this contact, bacteria eventually die and spill their cells. In order to produce fabrics with increased resistance to bacterial development, researchers have investigated methods of incorporating chitosan into textiles by utilizing this inherent feature. The necessity for long-lasting and sustainable antibacterial solutions is one of the main drivers driving the incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles into textiles. Conventional antibiotic treatments frequently contain chemicals that could be hazardous to human health and the environment. Being a naturally occurring polysaccharide, chitosan offers an environmentally friendly substitute without sacrificing effectiveness.
Chitosan nanoparticles have two benefits when added to textiles: they not only have antibacterial properties, but they also improve the fabric’s general performance and durability. By acting as reinforcing agents, the nanoparticles improve the mechanical qualities and enhance the textile structure. Because of their two uses, textiles treated with chitosan are positioned as cutting-edge responses to the rising need for high-performance, environmentally friendly materials. Scholars have investigated diverse approaches to incorporate chitosan nanoparticles into textile materials, such as electrospinning, coating procedures, and pad-dry-cure processes. Every technique has a different combination of benefits and drawbacks that affect the finished textile product’s characteristics. Research is still being conducted to optimize these procedures in order to obtain maximal antibacterial efficacy while maintaining the comfort and integrity of the fabrics as the field continues to develop. In addition to meeting the current demand for antimicrobial materials, the usage of chitosan nanoparticles in textiles has created opportunities for other uses. Chitosan nanoparticle-treated fabrics are used in sportswear, outdoor textiles, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical textiles, and other applications where infection control is crucial.
Antimicrobial Textiles: The Requirement and Difficulties
The need for antibacterial fabrics has increased in the modern world, where maintaining cleanliness and preventing infections is crucial. Customers look for textiles that actively fight hazardous bacteria in addition to feeling comfortable, whether they are purchasing medical scrubs or regular apparel. It’s still challenging to obtain long-lasting antibacterial qualities without sacrificing fabric quality.
The Function of Nanoparticles of Chitosan
Researchers have investigated the integration of chitosan nanoparticles into textile fibers to produce materials that possess innate antibacterial properties. The following are some ways that chitosan nanoparticles improve the functionality of textiles:
- Antibacterial Activity: The inherent antibacterial qualities of chitosan nanoparticles are demonstrated. Both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains can be inhibited in their growth by them. These nanoparticles form an impenetrable barrier against microbial colonization when incorporated into textiles.
- Mechanism of Action: By rupturing bacterial cell membranes, chitosan causes intracellular components to seep out and ultimately causes cell death. In order to promote adhesion and disruption, the positively charged amino groups on chitosan interact with the negatively charged bacterial cell walls.
- Durability and Wash Resistance: After several washing cycles, conventional antibacterial coatings have a tendency to deteriorate. On the other hand, chitosan nanoparticles cling firmly to textile fibers, guaranteeing sustained effectiveness. Even after numerous launderings, the nanoparticles’ antimicrobial qualities endure washing.
- Eco-Friendly Alternative: Chitosan comes from renewable marine resources and is biodegradable. Its application supports sustainable objectives. Chitosan nanoparticles do not pollute the environment like synthetic antibacterial agents do.
Application in Textiles
Researchers have effectively added chitosan nanoparticles to a variety of textile materials:
- Cotton textiles: Using chitosan nanoparticles in cotton, a popular natural fiber, has advantages. Researchers have created cotton wipes with chitosan nanoparticle coating, showing antibacterial action against common infections.
- Polyester and Blends: Synthetic fibers such as polyester can be treated with chitosan nanoparticles. Hybrid textiles with enhanced antibacterial qualities are produced by combining polyester treated with chitosan with other natural fibers.
- Textiles for Medicine: Medical fabrics with chitosan coating, including surgical gowns and bandages, lower the chance of infection. These materials further protect both patients and healthcare workers.
Obstacles and Prospects for the Future
Chitosan nanoparticles have a lot of promise, yet there are still issues to be resolved:
- Uniform Distribution: Consistent antibacterial activity depends on uniform nanoparticle dispersion throughout textile fibers. Scholars are still investigating novel approaches to uniform distribution.
- Multifunctionality: Research is currently being done to determine how to combine chitosan nanoparticles with additional functions (such as moisture management or UV protection) without sacrificing their antibacterial activity.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Production must be scaled up for broad acceptance, and cost-effectiveness must be guaranteed.
In a nutshell, the incorporation of nanoparticles of chitosan into textiles to improve their antibacterial qualities, effectiveness, and longevity is a revolutionary development that will have a significant impact on the textile sector. The journey of chitosan from its 19th-century discovery to its current status as a household name demonstrates this naturally occurring polymer’s extraordinary flexibility and adaptability. The use of chitosan-treated textiles, which have replaced traditional techniques that frequently cause health and environmental issues, represents a calculated response to the growing need for sustainable antibacterial solutions. Because chitosan nanoparticles have two distinct functions—they can be used to strengthen textiles and give fabrics strong antibacterial properties—they are considered cutting-edge materials in the area. The ongoing development of techniques to incorporate chitosan nanoparticles into textiles indicates a dedication to streamlining procedures, maximizing effectiveness, and maintaining the comfort and integrity of the materials. With the increasing emergence of chitosan-treated textiles in a variety of industries, including athletic, medical, and personal protective equipment, the textile landscape of the future is expected to be one of increased performance, durability, and sustainability. The use of chitosan nanoparticles goes beyond the immediate worries about its antibacterial properties; it fits in perfectly with the global trend towards eco-friendly and circular fashion practices, becoming a game-changer in the textile sector. The voyage of chitosan nanoparticles in textiles ultimately leads to a paradigm shift towards more responsible as well as resilient textile manufacturing, while simultaneously addressing the urgent demand for effective antibacterial treatments.
References:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9699078/
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351639358_Chitosan_Natural_Polymer_Material_for_Improving_Antibacterial_Properties_of_Textiles
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00405175221127315
- https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/19/4211
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00289-022-04250-x
- https://www.academia.edu/64687820/Antibacterial_finishing_of_cotton_fabric_via_the_chitosan_TPP_self_assembled_nano_layers
- https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijcc/2012/693629/
