Functionalization of textile materials with silver nanoparticles

Nanoparticles gained much scientific attention in the past decade due to their specific surface chemistry and properties which are significantly different from that of the corresponding bulk materials. Silver nanoparticles were the most extensively studied and they can be already found in a wide range of commercially available products. This article reviews the latest developments in finishing of textile materials with differently synthesized silver nanoparticles. Although antimicrobial activity of functionalized textile materials was primarily discussed, the possibilities to apply silver nanoparticles as a colorant or antistatic agent were also evaluated. In addition, the effect of chemical and physico-chemical activation of fibers before loading of silver nanoparticles on their binding efficiency was considered. Taking into account the importance of environmental impact of novel technologies, potential environmental risks emerging from silver release during washing of textile materials have been also discussed.