Antimicrobial textiles based on nanoparticles and composite, antiviral and antimicrobial coatings based on functionalized nanomaterials

Nanomaterials have special physical and chemical properties that include stability, low density, and high specific surface area. Nanoscience has proven to be the emergent technology of this century. Nanotechnology has also had an impact in the field of textiles. Continuous efforts have been made to create nanoparticle-integrated fabrics or nanostructured fabric surfaces and nanofibers exhibiting properties such as stain resistance, self-cleaning, antistatic, antimicrobial, UV protective, etc. Recent scientific findings on nanoparticles have led to increased interest in their potential use as antibacterial and antiviral agents. The antimicrobial properties can be enhanced by functionalization and can be utilized for the preparation of antimicrobial textiles. This chapter discusses the various types of nanomaterials, their functionalization, their applications in the field of textiles, toxicity associated with nanomaterials, and the future prospects.