0
Article ? AI-assigned paper type based on the abstract. Classification may not be perfect — flag errors using the feedback button. Tier 2 ? Original research — experimental, observational, or case-control study. Direct primary evidence. Sign in to save

Recent Advances in Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial Cellulose-Based Fibers and Fabrics: Bio-inspiration, Strategies, and Applications

Advanced Fiber Materials 2023 105 citations ? Citation count from OpenAlex, updated daily. May differ slightly from the publisher's own count. Score: 55 ? 0–100 AI score estimating relevance to the microplastics field. Papers below 30 are filtered from public browse.
Hua Zhou, Qingshuo Li, Zhong Zhang, Xungai Wang, Haitao Niu

Summary

Researchers review fabrication strategies for superhydrophobic and antibacterial cellulose fabrics, covering surface micro/nanostructure construction, chemical modification, and antimicrobial agent integration — and discuss how liquid-repellent surfaces reduce bacterial adhesion as a sustainable alternative to synthetic polymer textiles.

UNLABELLED: Cellulose-based fabrics are ubiquitous in our daily lives. They are the preferred choice for bedding materials, active sportswear, and next-to-skin apparels. However, the hydrophilic and polysaccharide characteristics of cellulose materials make them vulnerable to bacterial attack and pathogen infection. The design of antibacterial cellulose fabrics has been a long-term and on-going effort. Fabrication strategies based on the construction of surface micro-/nanostructure, chemical modification, and the application of antibacterial agents have been extensively investigated by many research groups worldwide. This review systematically discusses recent research on super-hydrophobic and antibacterial cellulose fabrics, focusing on morphology construction and surface modification. First, natural surfaces showing liquid-repellent and antibacterial properties are introduced and the mechanisms behind are explained. Then, the strategies for fabricating super-hydrophobic cellulose fabrics are summarized, and the contribution of the liquid-repellent function to reducing the adhesion of live bacteria and removing dead bacteria is elucidated. Representative studies on cellulose fabrics functionalized with super-hydrophobic and antibacterial properties are discussed in detail, and their potential applications are also introduced. Finally, the challenges in achieving super-hydrophobic antibacterial cellulose fabrics are discussed, and the future research direction in this area is proposed. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: The figure summarizes the natural surfaces and the main fabrication strategies of superhydrophobic antibacterial cellulose fabrics and their potential applications. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s42765-023-00297-1.

Sign in to start a discussion.

More Papers Like This

Article Tier 2

The Quest Towards Superhydrophobic Cellulose and Bacterial Cellulose Membranes and Their Perspective Applications

This review examines advances in developing superhydrophobic cellulose and bacterial cellulose membranes, biopolymers that offer an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic polymers which generate microplastics and toxic substances. The review covers functionalization strategies that modify physical, chemical, and biological properties of these high-surface-area materials and surveys their emerging applications in filtration, oil-water separation, and environmental remediation.

Article Tier 2

Robust Bio‐Textiles Via Mycelium‐Cellulose Interface Engineering

Researchers developed a sustainable bio-textile platform by engineering mycelium from fungi into cellulose fibers to form a semi-interpenetrating network, creating water-resistant textiles as a renewable alternative to petroleum-based synthetic fibers.

Article Tier 2

Hydrogel bacterial cellulose: a path to improved materials for new eco-friendly textiles

Bacterial cellulose grown from kombucha cultures was processed into a stable hydrogel material that can be sewn into clothing, offering a potentially eco-friendly textile alternative that avoids microplastic fiber shedding associated with synthetic fabrics. The material was tested as wristbands and T-shirt components and showed suitable wettability, mechanical properties, and flame resistance.

Article Tier 2

Microbial nanocellulose biotextiles for a circular materials economy

Researchers developed sustainable biotextiles from microbial nanocellulose combined with ancient textile techniques, creating rapidly renewable, low-toxicity, and biodegradable materials as circular economy alternatives to synthetic plastic-based fabrics.

Article Tier 2

Efficacy of bacterial cellulose hydrogel in microfiber removal from contaminated waters: A sustainable approach to wastewater treatment

Researchers developed a bacterial cellulose hydrogel made from unused cellulose remnants and tested it as an eco-friendly filter for removing microfibers from contaminated water. The hydrogel achieved an average removal rate of nearly 94 percent and retained the captured fibers well, releasing only about 8 percent after washing. The study presents this bio-based approach as a sustainable and effective alternative for tackling microfiber pollution in wastewater.

Share this paper