%0 Journal Article
%T Influence of Nanofinishes on the Antimicrobial Properties of Fabrics
%A N. Gokarneshan
%A P. P. Gopalakrishnan
%A B. Jeyanthi
%J ISRN Nanomaterials
%D 2012
%R 10.5402/2012/193836
%X This paper critically reviews the influence of the various types of nanomaterials on the antibacterial property of the treated fabrics. The merits of each type of nanomaterial have been compared. The synthesis and application method of each type are highlighted. As the number of microorganisms is growing increasingly resistant to antibiotics, the need to treat fabrics with nano materials becomes important in order to improve the antibacterial efficacy over a range of bacterium and fungi. The various researches reported herein show a promise for wider applications in medical textiles. Nano finishes have been applied on natural materials such as cotton, wool, and silk and also synthetic materials such as PET fabrics, with interesting results. 1. Introduction Textile materials tend to act as a good medium for the growth and multiplication of microorganisms. The basic chemical constituents present in the natural fibers provide nutrition to microorganisms and thereby promote their growth. The growth of microorganisms in the textile materials cause innumerable problems such as unacceptable odor, loss of strength in fabric, and stains and, moreover, affect the health of the wearer. It is therefore important to impart antimicrobial effect on textile materials so as to protect the health of the wearer. A number of antimicrobial agents have been used in textile applications [1]. Of these silver nanoparticles have one of the best antimicrobial characteristics and cover a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. They react with the sulfur-based proteins of the cell wall in microorganisms, inhibit with their metabolism, and thereby destroy them [2, 3]. Cotton, wool, and silk fabrics have been effectively treated with silver nanoparticles to get the desired antimicrobial efficts [4¨C6]. However, the use of silver nanoparticles in textile applications has its own restrictions, as particle size below 50£¿nm can have a harmful impact on humans and the environment [7, 8]. Inorganic materials such as metal and metal oxides have attracted lots of attention over the past decade due to their ability to withstand harsh process conditions [9, 10]. Of the inorganic materials, metal oxides such as TiO2, ZnO, MgO, and CaO are of a particular interest as they are not only stable under harsh process conditions but also generally regarded as safe materials to human beings and animals [11]. The use of nanoparticles of silver and zinc oxide has been seen as a viable solution to stop infectious diseases due to the antimicrobial properties of these nanoparticles. The intrinsic properties
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/isrn.nanomaterials/2012/193836/