Sustainable functionalization of biodegradable antimicrobial materials for healthcare textiles: A comprehensive review

The textile industry is undergoing a significant transformation towards sustainability, driven by increasing environmental and health concerns. The application of antimicrobial materials in textiles plays a vital role in improving hygiene and safety but often involves hazardous chemicals. This review analyzes the development and application of biodegradable antimicrobial materials in sustainable healthcare textiles. Emphasizing eco-friendly sources such as essential oils, plant extracts, and biopolymers, the review highlights thse materials’ potential as effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional synthetic antimicrobials. Recent advances in green extraction techniques and advanced release systems have improved the durability and satisfactory performance of these bio-based agents. The review analyzes diverse applications across textile types, including protective clothing, medical textiles, and casual apparel, ensuring multifunctional benefits such as antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and reduced toxicity. Despite promising advancements, challenges remain in enabling consistent performance, wash durability, and addressing safety concerns related to nanomaterials. This review also identifies gaps in life cycle assessments and the need for standardized testing protocols and regulatory frameworks to ensure market adoption. It indicates that future research directions should focus on enhancing extraction methods, developing sustainable carrier systems, and integrating multifunctional properties while aligning with circular economy principles.