Durable antimicrobial cotton textiles modified with inorganic nanoparticles

Numerous inorganic nanoparticles can impart antimicrobial properties to cotton textiles; however, the antimicrobial performance of the modified textile products is generally less durable. To solve this problem, accurate evaluation of the antimicrobial durability, and improved finishing techniques using inorganic nanoparticles are vital. In this review, it is demonstrated that a reliable description of durability consists of three factors: antimicrobial efficiency, its downtrend profile, and the loss of the inorganic NPs during the washing process. Based on a systematic evaluation of scientific publications, recent progress on antimicrobial cotton textiles modified using inorganic nanoparticles is summarized, with a focus on the durability. It was found that suitable polymer binders and the application of microwave or ultrasound are effective ways to improve the durability of antimicrobial fabrics. These findings will be helpful in designing durable new antimicrobial textiles using environmentally benign protocols.