Biofunctional textiles: Functional polymer-carriers with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and repellent activity

Abstract

In recent years, constant innovations have led to the applications of textile biotech, biomaterials, biotechnologies, and environmentally friendly processes. Biofunctional textiles are specific textiles which demonstrate new properties; their main purpose is to protect or heal the skin. Nanotechnology plays a fundamental role in developing them, by means of the micro and nano-vehicle; it is possible to obtain controlled functional textile substrates to be used in the delivery of natural active principles in a controlled manner. These characteristics are especially useful when the textile comes into direct contact with the skin and guarantees the transfer of the active compounds. The aim of this review is to describe biofunctional systems reported, formed by vehicles of natural origin that transport active compounds (natural substances) to microorganisms. In particular, essential oils, which have antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity in order to use them as micro and nano-finishes in woven and non-woven textiles oriented to the field of bio health are described here.