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Engineered silver nanoparticle functionalized textiles: A concise review with environmental and toxicological perspectives

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Over the past decade, the integration of engineered silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into textiles has gained significant attention across academia and industry, driving the development of advanced materials with enhanced performance. AgNP functionalization has enabled textiles with superior antimicrobial activity, ultraviolet (UV) protection, catalytic properties, improved mechanical strength, aesthetic enhancements, and emerging smart functionalities. This review provides a concise overview of recent advancements in AgNP-functionalized fabrics, with emphasis on their expanding functional capabilities. Key developments in antimicrobial protection, ultraviolet shielding, catalytic degradation of environmental pollutants, mechanical reinforcement of fibers, coloration and aesthetic enhancement, and improved electrical conductivity are critically analyzed to outline the performance benefits imparted by AgNP incorporation. In parallel, the review assesses the environmental and toxicological implications associated with AgNP-functionalized textiles, focusing on nanoparticle release during use and laundering, potential ecological disruption, and emerging concerns regarding human exposure and health risks. By integrating these functional and safety perspectives, the review offers a balanced overview of current progress and outlines considerations essential for the responsible development and application of AgNP-enabled textile technologies.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2026.e45665

Authors: Sakil Mahmud, Mohammad Raza Miah, Mohammad Neaz Morshed, Md Reazuddin Repon, Arun Kanti Guha, Huihong Liu