Search Results (439)

Essential oils (EOs) are well-known in traditional medicine, pharmacy, the food industry, and cosmetics because they are readily available and have proven efficacy across a wide range of applications. They are natural, bio-based, and biodegradable, and when applied accurately, they exhibit effective action against microorganisms, viruses, and fungi. However, most organic EOs are volatile and have hydrophobic surface chemistry, making them unsuitable for direct bio-applications in textiles. Textiles offer a useful platform for applying essential oils to impart functions such as antimicrobial or deodorizing effects. While traditional textiles focused mainly on comfort and protection, the rise of functional textiles has created new opportunities to integrate natural compounds such as essential oils. Recently, a growing body of research has focused on integrating essential oils into textile materials, driven by the increasing demand for sustainable fabrics with added biofunctionality. This review highlights the latest advances in applying essential oils to textile substrates and examines the techniques used and the improvements achieved, including washing cycles, antibacterial efficiency ranges, and durability. We survey recent literature, including research papers, articles, and books, to identify the most common methods and clarify their underlying mechanisms. Full article

Electrochemical biosensors integrated into wearable devices have revolutionized the technology in terms of health monitoring and diagnostic systems. However, when it comes to moving the devices from the laboratory to real-world environments, a critical problem emerges with the interface. The problem, in essence, is that biorecognition elements tend to lose their activity, delaminate, and drift when exposed to various environmental stresses. The traditional methods for the immobilization of the biorecognition elements result in receptors with random orientations, hydrolytically unstable bonds, and batch-to-batch variability, regardless of the method, including physisorption or non-selective covalent attachment, like using EDC/NHS. This review is organized around a comparative question: which limitations of classical immobilization strategies (physisorption, self-assembled monolayers used as passive anchoring platforms, and EDC/NHS coupling) can be resolved by click chemistry, which can be resolved by mechanistic features? Accordingly, CuAAC, SPAAC, IEDDA, and thiol-ene/yne photoclick reactions are discussed, not as an isolated catalog of ligations, but as complementary solutions to specific interfacial failure modes, including random bioreceptor orientation, hydrolytically vulnerable attachment, poor batch reproducibility, catalyst sensitivity, and the difficulty of functionalizing soft polymeric or textile substrates. In this framework, click chemistry is treated as a deterministic interface-engineering strategy that enables defined covalent fixation, programmable probe density, and improved mechanical and electrochemical robustness under wearable operating conditions. Full article

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a synthetic polymer that is widely used in the production of textiles, packaging materials, and beverage bottles. However, its high durability and resistance to abiotic degradation result in serious environmental and health problems. PETase is an enzyme that can depolymerize PET into value-added products, thereby providing an environmentally friendly strategy for PET recycling. PETaseSM14 from a marine sponge, Streptomyces sp. SM14, has a high salt tolerance and thermal stability, thus suggesting its potential for PET degradation applications. However, the substrate recognition mechanism of PETase remains unclear because the catalytic residue is buried within residues that form the substrate-binding cleft. To elucidate the molecular mechanism of PETaseSM14, all-atom molecular dynamics simulations were performed at 300, 320, and 340 K. The results revealed that the overall α/β fold remained stable at all temperatures, whereas temperature-dependent local fluctuations and conformational changes were observed in the substrate-binding cleft and N-terminal region. At 300 and 320 K, positional shifts and conformational changes in Tyr88 exposed the catalytic Ser156 to the solvent, thereby forming a potential substrate-binding cleft. In contrast, at 340 K, which is higher than the melting temperature of PETaseSM14, disruption of the charge-relay system of the catalytic triad occurs through conformational changes in His234. Substantial temperature-dependent conformational and positional changes in the N-terminal region of PETaseSM14 were observed at 320 and 340 K. These results provide mechanistic insight into the temperature-dependent active-site rearrangements and offer rational engineering strategies to enhance the efficiency of PETase for PET biodegradation. Full article

Organotin compounds (OTCs) are toxic pollutants threatening ecosystems and human health, among which dioctyltin (DOCT), widely used in skin-contact textiles, can induce immune dysfunction and metabolic disorders. Although DOCT levels in textiles are strictly regulated by international standards, traditional GC-MS suffers from cumbersome derivatization, unsatisfactory repeatability, and lengthy analysis, highlighting the urgent demand for a rapid and sensitive detection approach. Herein, we developed a fast SERS-based strategy for DOCT determination using size-optimized Au@Ag core–shell nanoparticles as the substrate, which offers simple pretreatment, high efficiency, good uniformity, and excellent reproducibility. The SERS spectra and functional group vibration modes of DOCT were elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with experimental validation, and the peak at 301 cm⁻¹ was identified as the characteristic peak for quantitative analysis. After extractant optimization, the method achieved a low LOD of 0.1 μg/L in real textile samples, with recoveries ranging from 86% to 108% and good linearity from 0.1 to 1000 μg/L (R² = 0.9804). This approach provides a reliable, high-sensitivity alternative for rapid monitoring of DOCT residues in textiles. Full article

Textile materials represent a versatile class of engineering substrates widely used in apparel, domestic products, and medical protective systems. Despite their extensive application, large-scale textile production has seen limited integration of fundamentally new functionalization strategies. In recent years, however, advances in materials science have enabled the development of textiles with tailored electrical, adaptive, and biological functionalities. This review summarizes recent progress in the functionalization of textile materials with a focus on approaches relevant to engineering and industrial implementation. Particular attention is given to conductive textiles designed for operation under extreme environmental conditions, including low-temperature climates. Methods for integrating electrically conductive elements into fibrous structures are discussed, highlighting their potential for sensing, thermal regulation, and energy-related applications such as powering portable electronic devices. Inkjet printing is presented as a scalable technique for high-resolution deposition of conductive patterns while preserving the mechanical integrity and aesthetic properties of textile substrates. In addition, adaptive and stimuli-responsive textile systems are reviewed, including materials capable of responding to thermal, optical, or chemical stimuli, with applications in camouflage, wearable systems, and multifunctional surfaces. The review further addresses the development of bioactive textiles, emphasizing antibacterial functionalization using organic and inorganic agents to mitigate the spread of pathogenic microorganisms. The relevance of such materials has been underscored by recent global viral outbreaks. Overall, this work aims to provide a materials science perspective on emerging textile functionalization strategies and to facilitate the transition of these technologies from laboratory-scale research to practical engineering applications. Full article

The persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) poses a significant challenge in solid waste management. This paper systematically reviews the distribution characteristics of PFASs in various solid waste streams, including industrial sludge, food packaging, textiles, and electronic waste. It also evaluates the removal efficiency of four thermal treatment technologies—incineration, pyrolysis, smoldering combustion, and hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL)—for PFASs in solid waste. Although incineration and smoldering combustion can achieve destruction and removal efficiencies exceeding 99.99%, the release of short-chain byproducts remains a critical bottleneck. Pyrolysis effectively decontaminates solid-phase products but carries the risk of phase transfer into pyrolysis oils. The efficiency of HTL is highly dependent on process parameters. PFAS degradation is a radical-mediated process initiated by the dissociation of functional groups. We emphasize that substrate surface properties and the presence of counterions play pivotal roles in modulating these reaction pathways. The introduction of water vapor (as a hydrogen-rich medium), alkaline additives, or specific catalysts is considered a promising strategy to inhibit the recombination of reactive byproducts and enhance mineralization rates. Full article

Smart textiles require conductive materials that maintain electrical stability under repeated mechanical deformation and laundering while preserving textile-like flexibility. In this work, an elastic–rigid copolymer elastomer was designed as a polymer binder for washable conductive pastes used in wearable textile electronics. The copolymer was synthesized using polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMEG), 3,3′,4,4′-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA), and m-xylylene diisocyanate (XDI), enabling the incorporation of thermally stable imide segments and elastic polyurethane domains within a single polymer framework. By adjusting the molar ratio between rigid and soft segments, the resulting copolymer exhibited balanced tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elastic recovery, outperforming a commercial thermoplastic polyurethane in mechanical performance. Silver-filled conductive pastes were prepared by dispersing 62 wt% micrometer-sized silver flakes into the copolymer matrix, achieving a bulk resistivity of 3.5 × 10⁻⁵ Ω·cm. The printed conductive films showed stable electrical resistivity under cyclic tensile deformation up to 20% strain. Washing durability was further evaluated following the AATCC 135 top-loading laundering standard. After 50 laundering cycles, the resistance increase remained within 2.8–5.5 Ω for knitted fabrics and 2.0–5.1 Ω for woven fabrics, indicating satisfactory electrical stability and adhesion to textile substrates. These results suggest that elastic–rigid copolymer binders are suitable for the development of wash-durable conductive pastes for wearable textile applications. Full article

Filamentous fungi are among the most significant biological agents responsible for the biodeterioration of organic cultural heritage materials preserved in archives, libraries, and museums. Cellulose-based substrates—such as paper, papyri, and plant-derived textiles—as well as protein-based materials, including parchment and leather, provide favourable conditions for fungal colonization due to their chemical composition and hygroscopic behaviour. Once activated, fungi contribute to deterioration through a combination of mechanical penetration and biochemical processes, including the secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, organic acids, and pigmented metabolites, which progressively compromise the structural integrity and visual appearance of heritage objects. This review aims to critically synthesize current knowledge on the mechanisms of fungal biodeterioration affecting organic heritage materials, with particular attention to material-specific vulnerabilities, indoor environmental drivers, and implications for preventive conservation. Recent advances in fungal ecology have highlighted the presence of xerophilic and extremotolerant taxa capable of persisting under conditions traditionally considered unfavourable for microbial growth, posing new challenges for conservation management. Rather than attributing biodeterioration directly to global climate change, this review explicitly emphasizes the role of indirect and building-mediated climate-related stressors—such as increased frequency of moisture intrusion events, infrastructure vulnerability, and microclimatic instability within buildings—in shaping fungal risk in indoor heritage environments. The integration of environmental monitoring, microbiological diagnostics, and predictive risk-assessment tools emerges as a key strategy for early detection and mitigation. By consolidating interdisciplinary evidence from microbiology, materials science, and heritage conservation, this work underscores the need to shift from reactive restoration toward anticipatory, risk-based preventive approaches to ensure the long-term preservation of organic cultural heritage materials. Full article

So-called ‘war rugs’ started being produced in Afghanistan after the Soviet invasion in 1979. These textiles have sparked debate as symbols of resilience and political commentary but also as controversial commodification of human suffering. However, their manufacture and materiality have not been studied so far. In the framework of the British Museum exhibition “War rugs: Afghanistan’s knotted history”, a scientific investigation was conducted on nine rugs from the collection. Approximately 65 samples were analysed by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy coupled to energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and high-pressure liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detector and tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS/MS) to study the fibres, mordants and dyes used in the production of the rugs. Scanning X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) and multiband imaging (MBI) were also used directly on the rugs to map the distribution of specific mordants and dyes, respectively. The results revealed the intentional use of white or dark wool as the substrate for dyeing, to obtain specific colour shades. A wide range of synthetic dyes was detected, including Acid Orange 7, Acid Red 88, Basic Green 4, Acid Blue 92, Acid Black 1 and Direct Black 38 in the earlier rugs, whereas Direct Yellow 1, Direct Brown 1, Direct Yellow 12, Acid Green 25, Acid Blue 113 and Direct Blue 15 were identified in the later rugs. Some synthetic dyes remained unidentified. Additionally, natural dyes were used in three rugs. An emodin-based colourant, possibly obtained from dock or sorrel (Rumex spp.), was detected in two light brown areas. A berberine-based colourant consistent with barberry (Berberis spp.) was detected in a yellow area. These results represent the first scientific study of these objects and enable preliminary insights into the details of this complex craft that has evolved from centuries of carpet making in this area. Full article

The rapid growth of electronic devices, including wearable sensors, has increased electronic waste, driving interest in sustainable, biocompatible materials. Electrospun biomaterials have emerged as versatile substrates for multifunctional wearable textiles, offering flexibility, high surface area, tunable porosity, and biocompatibility. Using natural polymers (e.g., silk fibroin, cellulose, chitosan) and synthetic polymers (e.g., polycaprolactone, polylactic acid, PVDF), electrospinning produces nanofibrous mats capable of supporting thermal regulation, moisture management, and integrated sensing for pressure, temperature, humidity, or chemical detection. Nature-inspired designs, hybrid composites, and advanced architectures enable passive and active thermoregulation via phase-change materials, thermochromic dyes, hydrogels, and conductive nanofibers, while maintaining wearer comfort, breathability, and skin safety. Despite progress, challenges persist in durability, washability, energy efficiency, manufacturing scalability, and recyclability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of biomaterials, fabrication techniques, multifunctional sensor integration, and thermoregulation strategies, highlighting opportunities for next-generation wearable textiles that combine sustainability, adaptive thermal management, and high-performance sensing. Full article

Polypropylene (PP) nonwoven is widely used in biomedical textiles because of its lightweight and mechanical durability; however, its inherent hydrophobicity and chemical inertness limit further surface functionalization. In this study, a plasma-assisted UV grafting strategy was developed to fabricate thermo-responsive and antibacterial hydrogel coatings on PP nonwoven. Atmospheric-pressure plasma jet (APPJ) treatment was first employed to activate the PP nonwoven surface, followed by UV-induced graft polymerization of chitosan and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), forming a chitosan-co-PNIPAAm hydrogel immobilized on the nonwoven substrate. Surface characterization using water contact angle measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirmed effective plasma activation and successful hydrogel grafting. APPJ treatment significantly enhanced surface wettability, whereas subsequent UV grafting formed a continuous hydrogel on the PP nonwoven surface. The modified nonwoven exhibited distinct thermo-responsive swelling behavior in aqueous and simulated physiological environments, associated with the temperature-sensitive characteristics of the PNIPAAm component. In addition, the incorporation of chitosan imparted pronounced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, with inhibition zone diameters ranging from 14 to 16.5 mm, indicating high antibacterial sensitivity. Preliminary cytocompatibility evaluation further demonstrated favorable cell viability on the modified surfaces. This study demonstrates a scalable and low-temperature surface engineering approach for integrating stimuli-responsive and antibacterial hydrogel functionality into nonwoven polymer substrates, offering potential for advanced biomedical textile applications. Full article

This study investigates the development of advanced protective gloves by applying novel 3D-printed PET-G mesh overlay structures onto three textile substrates—polyamide (PA), polyester (PES), and cotton—using ultrasonic welding and contact welding. The focus was on assessing weld quality, thickness uniformity, and functional durability. Weld morphology and bonding integrity were evaluated using X-ray microtomography (micro-CT), while bending fatigue tests assessed mechanical performance under cyclic loading. The results show that ultrasonic welding produces more uniform welds, enhancing fatigue resistance, particularly on cotton and polyamide substrates. Non-uniform welds with thicker or uneven areas, typical of contact welding, correlated with reduced mechanical durability. These findings highlight the potential of additively manufactured overlay structures for hybrid protective gloves, demonstrating that weld thickness uniformity and substrate compatibility are key factors in optimizing mechanical performance. This work extends our previous research by introducing new 3D-printed overlay architectures and provides valuable insights into the practical implementation of additively manufactured polymeric structures in PPE development. Full article

The advent of wearable electronic textiles (e-textiles) is transforming human–computer interaction by enabling seamless, comfortable, and continuous connectivity between users and digital systems. Although the wearable e-textile market is poised for significant growth, there is a need for durable, reliable connectors to link e-textiles to digital systems. This study presents and evaluates two novel magnetic connectors—buckle and snap—integrated into textile substrates using conductive epoxy, conductive stitches, and solder as interconnect methods. Durability testing involved 5000 mating/unmating cycles at low, medium, and high forces, with electrical performance assessed through resistance and impedance measurements. Results showed significant increases in resistance and impedance with 1000-cycle intervals. However, both connectors retained robust electrical and mechanical integrity, with all resistance values remaining below 1.6 Ω, indicating no critical degradation. Buckle connectors consistently outperformed snap connectors, which is attributed to their design that reduces mechanical stress on interconnects. Conductive epoxy demonstrated superior stability and slower degradation compared to conductive stitches and solder, particularly under higher mating forces. Impedance results mirrored resistance trends, confirming reliability. These findings advance durable, user-friendly connectors for long-term e-textile use, addressing both mechanical endurance and electrical performance to enhance wearable computing and interactive environments. Full article

The textile industry generates significant volumes of waste, making the development of reliable methods to evaluate biodegradability a pressing need. While standardised protocols exist for plastics, no specific methodologies have been established for textiles, and the quantification of non-degraded residues is commonly based on mass loss: a measurement that is prone to recovery errors. This study investigated the biodegradation of cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester blend fabrics in soil under thermophilic conditions using a combined methodological approach. Carbon mineralisation was quantified through a respirometric assay that was specifically adapted for textile substrates, while residual solid fractions were assessed in situ by X-ray microtomography (micro-CT), thus avoiding artefacts associated with sample recovery. Complementary analyses were performed using SEM and FTIR to characterise morphological and chemical changes. Results showed substantial biodegradation of cotton, negligible degradation of polyester, and intermediate behaviour for the cotton/polyester blend. Micro-CT enabled the visualisation of fibre fragmentation and the quantification of the residual. The integration of respirometric, imaging, and spectroscopic techniques provided a comprehensive assessment of textile biodegradability. This study highlights the potential of micro-CT as a non-destructive tool to improve the accuracy and robustness of textile biodegradability assessment by enabling direct quantification of the residual solid fraction that can support future LCA studies and the development of standardised protocols for textile biodegradability. Full article

CO₂ laser processing has emerged as an efficient dry-finishing technique capable of inducing controlled chemical and morphological transformations in cotton and denim textiles. The strong mid-infrared absorption of cellulose enables localised photothermal heating, leading to selective dye decomposition, surface oxidation, and micro-scale ablation while largely preserving the bulk fabric structure. These laser-driven mechanisms modify colour, surface chemistry, and topography in a predictable, parameter-dependent manner. Low-fluence conditions predominantly produce uniform fading through fragmentation and oxidation of indigo dye; in comparison, moderate thermal loads promote the formation of carbonyl and carboxyl groups that increase surface energy and enhance wettability. Higher fluence regimes generate micro-textured regions with increased roughness and anchoring capacity, enabling improved adhesion of dyes, coatings, and nanoparticles. Compared with conventional wet processes, CO₂ laser treatment eliminates chemical effluents, strongly reduces water consumption and supports digitally controlled, Industry 4.0-compatible manufacturing workflows. Despite its advantages, challenges remain in standardising processing parameters, quantifying oxidation depth, modelling thermal behaviour, and assessing the long-term stability of functionalised surfaces under real usage conditions. In this review, we consolidate current knowledge on the mechanistic pathways, processing windows, and functional potential of CO₂ laser-modified cotton substrates. By integrating findings from recent studies and identifying critical research gaps, the review supports the development of predictable, scalable, and sustainable laser-based cotton textile processing technologies. Full article