Antibacterial nanotechnology in textiles

Abstract

Infections associated with health care (IAAS) are one of the main problems facing healthcare providers. One of the causes of these infections is the cross-contamination that occurs when using the same sheets, covers, curtains, or gowns to care for several patients. Therefore, in recent years the use of antibacterial textiles in the hospital sector has increased; however, the current offer on the market has shortcomings in the durability and efficacy of the antibacterial effect. To improve these characteristics, nanotechnology offers alternatives, which were reviewed in the literature and presented in this article. The methodology used for technological surveillance began by conducting a general search on antibacterial textiles, then focused on one of the main techniques for the manufacture of nanofibers, then the most important antimicrobial agents were listed, as well as the tests with which their effectiveness is verified. and the search was deepened in two antimicrobial agents, one inorganic (silver nanoparticles) and the other organic (chitosan). The search ended with a review of antibacterial textiles in Colombia and prospects.