“The escalating threat of antimicrobial resistance has spurred extensive research into antimicrobial fibers.
While numerous reviews have comprehensively cataloged the classification and mechanisms of natural, inorganic, and organic antimicrobial agents, a critical gap remains: few have systematically evaluated the engineering strategies that translate intrinsic biocidal activity into durable, real-world fiber performance.
This review addresses this gap by shifting focus from encyclopedic enumeration to a problem-oriented critical assessment of performance optimization strategies. We examine recent advances in natural fibers (bamboo, hemp, chitosan, jute) and synthetic fibers modified with antimicrobial agents, with emphasis on three core challenges-poor wash durability of natural agents, aggregation and leaching of inorganic nanoparticles (e.g., Ag, ZnO, MOFs), and structural limitations of organic agents (e.g., QACs, QPSs, N-halamines, PHMB). Key optimization routes, including covalent grafting, microstructural control (e.g., triaxial microfluidic spinning), organic-inorganic hybridization, and rechargeable N-halamine systems, are critically assessed for their effectiveness in enhancing washing resistance, stability, and antimicrobial synergy.
Based on this comparative synthesis, we identify future directions-smart-responsive systems, sustainable processing pathways, and standardized evaluation protocols-to guide the rational design of next-generation high-performance antimicrobial fibers.”
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42513717
“Zhao and colleagues successfully converted seed-type hemp into regenerated cellulosic fibers through sequential degumming, pulping, and spinning processes”
“The resultant fibers exhibited significant antimicrobial effectiveness”
“The observed antimicrobial effects are primarily attributed to cannabinoids and their derivatives.”
“As global healthcare and sustainability challenges change, antimicrobial fibers are set to be crucial components in innovative solutions for public health protection and advanced material applications.”
https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/19/14/2980
