Advancements in Enhancing Antibacterial Properties of Cotton Fabric through Chitosan and Nanoparticles

Abstract

Over recent years, the garment industry has been actively seeking innovative solutions to address critical challenges in clothing production. One significant issue has been the susceptibility of hydrophilic cotton fabrics, commonly used in healthcare and sportswear, to bacterial growth, posing hygiene concerns. To deal with this, it becomes crucial for us to make durable cotton fabrics that can fight bacteria. This study explores the development of durable antibacterial cotton textiles by utilizing a range of antibacterial agents and mechanisms. Chitosan's properties, such as its ability to inhibit fungal growth, compatibility, non‐toxicity, bioactivity, and antimicrobial potential make it a promising candidate for the textile industry. Additionally, the incorporation of metal nanoparticles along with chitosan offers interesting potential, such as UV absorption, self‐cleaning capabilities, and antimicrobial activity. Therefore, research aimed at enhancing cotton fabric by harnessing the potential of chitosan and metal nanoparticles continues to attract significant attention in today's textile world. Cotton fabric modified by combining chitosan and nanoparticles exhibits high antimicrobial activity compared to fabric modified with either nanoparticles or chitosan alone. The implications of this study are far‐reaching with improvement in hygiene, comfort, and durability in a wide range of clothing applications, thus making a substantial contribution to the evolution of the textile industry.