Advanced and Smart Textiles during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Issues, Challenges, and Innovations

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has hugely affected the textile and apparel industry. Besides the negative impact due to supply chain disruptions, drop in demand, liquidity problems, and overstocking, this pandemic was found to be a window of opportunity since it accelerated the ongoing digitalization trends and the use of functional materials in the textile industry. This review paper covers the development of smart and advanced textiles that emerged as a response to the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2. We extensively cover the advancements in developing smart textiles that enable monitoring and sensing through electrospun nanofibers and nanogenerators. Additionally, we focus on improving medical textiles mainly through enhanced antiviral capabilities, which play a crucial role in pandemic prevention, protection, and control. We summarize the challenges that arise from personal protective equipment (PPE) disposal and finally give an overview of new smart textile-based products that emerged in the markets related to the control and spread reduction of SARS-CoV-2.

Novel polymer-based hydrogels of recent research in drug delivery for disease treatment related to SARS-CoV-2 virus

“…PPE hydrogels are strategically crafted to serve as a physical barrier that impedes the transmission of pathogens, encompassing viruses like SARS-CoV-2 [154]. The hydrogel material functions as a protective layer, obstructing the passage of microorganisms, respiratory droplets, and other contaminants, thereby reducing the risk of infection [170]. Hydrogels used in PPE are often formulated to be lightweight, flexible, and comfortable to wear [137,170].…”

“…The hydrogel material functions as a protective layer, obstructing the passage of microorganisms, respiratory droplets, and other contaminants, thereby reducing the risk of infection [170]. Hydrogels used in PPE are often formulated to be lightweight, flexible, and comfortable to wear [137,170]. They readily conform to the body contours and provide a breathable environment, ensuring that individuals can wear them for extended periods without discomfort [154].…”

“…They readily conform to the body contours and provide a breathable environment, ensuring that individuals can wear them for extended periods without discomfort [154]. PPE hydrogels may incorporate moisture-absorbing or moisture-wicking properties [170], effectively managing perspiration and moisture accumulation within the protective gear. This feature keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during prolonged use [136].…”

“…This feature keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during prolonged use [136]. Certain PPE hydrogels may also integrate antimicrobial agents or be engineered to possess inherent antimicrobial properties, thereby inhibiting the growth and proliferation of bacteria and viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, on the surface of the protective equipment [170]. Hydrogels employed in PPE can be designed to be reusable and durable, enabling multiple uses without compromising their protective properties [154].…”

Smart Textiles: A Review and Bibliometric Mapping

“…Other review articles have been devoted to selected application areas of smart textiles. In medicine and healthcare, reviews have covered smart textiles in health [30], for monitoring health/physiological parameters [31][32][33][34], for personalized healthcare [13], healthcare and sustainability [35], and smart textiles in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic [36,37]. In the electronics domain, reviews have been published on electrically conductive textiles [38], smart textiles for electricity generation [39], energy harvesting materials and structures for smart textiles [40], smart textile triboelectric nanogenerators [15,41,42], smart electronics-based textiles [43,44], smart textiles in relation to wearable electronics [45][46][47][48].…”