Environmental Profile of Nano-finished Textile …
65
by decreasing the size of capsules to nano size which can be generated by high vigorous stirring or ultra-sonication of micro-capsules [66]. Zhang et al. revealed that
the size of nano-capsules can be altered by increasing the stirring rate and by changing the concentration of emulsifier [67]. Shim et al. effectively used poly(methyl
methacrylate) frame work for the encapsulation of zinc oxide nano-particles [68]. In
another similar kind of work, Oku et al. encapsulated silver nano-particles of silver
nitrate by the chemical reduction with an aim of improving the electronic properties
of the nano-captured boron nitride nano-cages [69].
Liposomes are self-assembled amphiphile liquid dispersed in aqueous solvent.
Due to their dual properties, they can hold and release both hydrophobic as well
as hydrophilic materials. This particular property of liposomes makes their efficient
use in drug delivery systems [62, 70]. Additionally, liposomes are being used in
low temperature and energy saving dyeing processes of different types of textile
fibers and fabrics [71–73]. The size, fluidity, and permeability of liposomes has been
altered by loading nano sized silver and gold nanoparticles for better release of some
biological agents under thermal stimulation [74]. However, it has been seen that
the thermal and mechanical stability of liposomes should be determined for better
controlled release. For increasing stability of liposomes on textile surfaces, use of
functionalized stabilizer has been suggested. In case of antibacterial modifications,
phospholipid layers act as fertilizing agents for increasing bacterial growth exerting
a negative effect of antibacterial efficacy. Nano silver has been used to overcome this
drawback [71, 73].
Dendrimers are synthetic and branched 3D molecules produced by including
repeating diverging arrangements to produce a exceptionally new architecture with a
rare and great level of consistency [75–77]. Unique physical and chemical properties
have been created due to the molecular scattering of the guest molecules in the
dendrimer host. Due to large number of active sites, dendrimer carboxylate salts can
interact with large number of silver cations which will serve as nanoscopic transport
carrier of different quantities of bioactive substances. In vitro and in vivo experiments
have revealed the bio-compatibility of dendrimer conjugates [78, 79].
4 Textile Applications of Nanomaterials
4.1 Antimicrobial Applications
Textile materials are being treated with a wide range of synthetic and natural antimicrobial agents for various explanations liable on the market segment and application area. Antimicrobial agents are mostly functional on the textile surfaces to
improve their resilience against mildew, fungi, and bacteria (e.g. discoloration, colonization of odor producing bacteria and preventing destruction of polymers) and
increase the durability of materials leading to longer lifetime [80]. The antimicrobial agents in general are applied to play a role in enhancing the clinical hygiene
65
by decreasing the size of capsules to nano size which can be generated by high vigorous stirring or ultra-sonication of micro-capsules [66]. Zhang et al. revealed that
the size of nano-capsules can be altered by increasing the stirring rate and by changing the concentration of emulsifier [67]. Shim et al. effectively used poly(methyl
methacrylate) frame work for the encapsulation of zinc oxide nano-particles [68]. In
another similar kind of work, Oku et al. encapsulated silver nano-particles of silver
nitrate by the chemical reduction with an aim of improving the electronic properties
of the nano-captured boron nitride nano-cages [69].
Liposomes are self-assembled amphiphile liquid dispersed in aqueous solvent.
Due to their dual properties, they can hold and release both hydrophobic as well
as hydrophilic materials. This particular property of liposomes makes their efficient
use in drug delivery systems [62, 70]. Additionally, liposomes are being used in
low temperature and energy saving dyeing processes of different types of textile
fibers and fabrics [71–73]. The size, fluidity, and permeability of liposomes has been
altered by loading nano sized silver and gold nanoparticles for better release of some
biological agents under thermal stimulation [74]. However, it has been seen that
the thermal and mechanical stability of liposomes should be determined for better
controlled release. For increasing stability of liposomes on textile surfaces, use of
functionalized stabilizer has been suggested. In case of antibacterial modifications,
phospholipid layers act as fertilizing agents for increasing bacterial growth exerting
a negative effect of antibacterial efficacy. Nano silver has been used to overcome this
drawback [71, 73].
Dendrimers are synthetic and branched 3D molecules produced by including
repeating diverging arrangements to produce a exceptionally new architecture with a
rare and great level of consistency [75–77]. Unique physical and chemical properties
have been created due to the molecular scattering of the guest molecules in the
dendrimer host. Due to large number of active sites, dendrimer carboxylate salts can
interact with large number of silver cations which will serve as nanoscopic transport
carrier of different quantities of bioactive substances. In vitro and in vivo experiments
have revealed the bio-compatibility of dendrimer conjugates [78, 79].
4 Textile Applications of Nanomaterials
4.1 Antimicrobial Applications
Textile materials are being treated with a wide range of synthetic and natural antimicrobial agents for various explanations liable on the market segment and application area. Antimicrobial agents are mostly functional on the textile surfaces to
improve their resilience against mildew, fungi, and bacteria (e.g. discoloration, colonization of odor producing bacteria and preventing destruction of polymers) and
increase the durability of materials leading to longer lifetime [80]. The antimicrobial agents in general are applied to play a role in enhancing the clinical hygiene