Review featuring the use of inorganic nano-structured material for anti-microbial properties in textile

Infectious diseases are a leading cause of mortality around the world. Pathogenic bacteria have evolved bacterial resistance as a result of -lactamase production. The World Health Organization's (WHO) new GLASS (Global Antimicrobial Surveillance System) revealed in 2018 that antibiotic resistance is widely spread among 500,000 sick people in 22 countries infected with drug-resistant bacteria. Among billions of fungus, 300 fungi poses serious threat to human health. Due to prevalence of infectious diseases, more focus has been given on the nanoparticles application in various fields of life including textile industry, biomedicine, cosmetology, self-cleaning, antibiotics, drug delivery system, UV defense, removing impurities, water and air filtration system. Nanoparticles shows potency due to their small size, high penetration rate and cell damaging potentiality via different mechanisms. Nanoparticles are used in textiles to eliminate undesired effects such as degradation of fabrics, production of unwanted odor and potential for health risks. Natural fibers are susceptible to the accumulation, multiplication and propagation of micro-organisms due to large surface area, moisture, heat and body secretions providing ideal habitat for micro-organisms growth when in contact with human body. Consequently, variety of textiles are coated, with nanoparticles to protect the wearers from irritation and skin allergies, able to withstand the washing, drying and leaching. Green synthesis of nanoparticles is a simple, cost effective and ecofriendly approach. Nanoparticles ranges from the nano-metals like silver, copper, gold, palladium and graphene nanoparticles to the metal oxides including zinc oxide, titanium oxide, copper oxide, graphene oxide, calcium oxide and magnesium oxides to the carbon nanotubes and nano-clay. Gold nanoparticles cause the oxidative stress in the cytoplasm, which leads to microbe's death. Copper nanoparticles shows antifungal activities for food related pathogens. Copper oxide nanoparticles shows antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus by releasing the Cu+2 ions which triggers the reactive oxygen species production. Copper is used as water purifier and anti-fouling agent. Introduction of copper into fabrics and other items provide them biocidal effects. Copper is vital for aerobic organisms, though excessive copper ions inhibit microbial development via enzyme deactivation, protein functional group disruption, and plasma membrane damage. Zinc oxide nanoparticles shows biocompatibility, stability, antimicrobial property, and harmless to human cells. Zinc oxide nanoparticles strongly attack the micro-organisms. Nano-silver is applied against different strains of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus zooepidemicus, Escherichia coli, and Enterobacter aerogenes. Bacteria's surface is negatively charged while graphene is positively charged and graphene family nanomaterials act as bridge to transport the charge from graphene to bacteria. CaO nanoparticles functions against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria and yeast. It is widely used against microbes in food items. This review paper emphasized on the characteristics and utilization of the inorganic nano-structured materials with anti-microbial properties in textiles. Nanoparticles exhibits best results against bacteria and fungi. Nanomaterials are promising materials because they can be made to do numerous tasks at the same time.

Automated summary

Infectious diseases are a major cause of global mortality, and bacterial and fungal resistance to antibiotics is becoming widespread. Nanoparticles are widely used in various fields, including textiles, biomedicine, and water and air filtration, due to their small size, high penetration rate, and potential to damage cells.