Enhanced Antimicrobial and UV-Protective Healthcare Textile Fabric Incorporating Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized via Sol-Gel Method: A Review

Authors

  • Anteneh Tilahun Awoke Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.63456/tsrj-2-2-43

Keywords:

Antimicrobial behavior, Healthcare textiles, Nanoparticles, Sol-Gel Method, UV Protection, Zinc Oxide

Abstract

Healthcare textiles have undergone a revolution thanks to the incorporation of nanotechnology into textile engineering, which has added features like UV protection and antimicrobial activity. Nanoparticles (NPs) can be incorporated into textiles to impart common items with new, useful qualities due to their intriguing surface properties. NPs' surface functionalization can be crucial in regulating their colloidal stability, which is followed by interactions between the NPs and the substrate, resulting in improved functional properties. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles are being used more and more in textile applications because of their superior antibacterial qualities, UV protection, chemical stability, and biocompatibility. The sol-gel production of ZnO nanoparticles, their integration into textile substrates, and the ensuing improvements in UV protection and antibacterial activity are covered in this work. Benefits of the sol-gel synthesis include homogeneity, control over particle size, and environmental friendliness, which make it appropriate for functional finishing of medical textiles.

References

[1] Shabbir M, Sheikh JN. Introduction to textiles and finishing materials. Frontiers of Textile Materials: Polymers, Nanomaterials, Enzymes, and Advanced Modification Techniques. 2020:1-11. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119620396.ch1

[2] Ahmed S, Mazumdar AAR, Syduzzaman M, Mahmud MS. UV protection and antimicrobial properties of textiles using nanotechnology. Nanotechnology in Textile Finishing: Advancements and Applications. 2024:191-232. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-2696-78

[3] Asif N, Amir M, Fatma T. Recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and biomedical applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. 2023;46(10):1377-98. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-023-02886-1

[4] Lopez-Miranda JL, Molina GA, González-Reyna MA, España-Sánchez BL, Esparza R, Silva R, et al. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized by a green method using sargassum extracts. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2023;24(2):1474. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021474

[5] Sfameni S, Hadhri M, Rando G, Drommi D, Rosace G, Trovato V, et al. Inorganic finishing for textile fabrics: Recent advances in wear-resistant, UV protection and antimicrobial treatments. Inorganics. 2023;11(1):19. https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics11010019

[6] Sanchez C, Julián B, Belleville P, Popall M. Applications of hybrid organic–inorganic nanocomposites. Journal of Materials Chemistry. 2005;15(35-36):3559-92. https://doi.org/10.1039/B509097K

[7] Boury B, Corriu RJ. Auto-organisation of hybrid organic–inorganic materials prepared by sol–gel chemistry. Chemical Communications. 2002;(8):795-802. https://doi.org/10.1039/B109040M

[8] Rashid S, Islam S, Qamer S, Ali M, Fatima M, Javaid L, et al. A review of green synthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles coated textiles. Journal of Industrial Textiles. 2025;55:15280837251313518. https://doi.org/10.1177/152808372513135

[9] Ajith M, Aswathi M, Priyadarshini E, Rajamani P. Recent innovations of nanotechnology in water treatment: A comprehensive review. Bioresource Technology. 2021;342:126000. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.126000

[10] Suhag D, Thakur P, Thakur A. Introduction to nanotechnology. Integrated Nanomaterials and Their Applications. Springer; 2023. p. 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-6105-4

[11] Karst D, Yang Y. Potential advantages and risks of nanotechnology for textiles. AATCC Review. 2006;6(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13225134

[12] Ehrmann A, Tri PN, Nguyen TA. Nanosensors and Nanodevices for Smart Multifunctional Textiles. Elsevier; 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2019-0-02500-9

[13] Yilmaz ND. Smart Textiles: Wearable Nanotechnology. John Wiley & Sons; 2018. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201705925

[14] Das G, Biswas S. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. IOP Publishing. 2018;338(1):012056. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/466/1/011003

[15] Ma Z, Zhang Z, Zhao F, Wang Y. A multifunctional coating for cotton fabrics integrating superior performance of flame-retardant and self-cleaning. Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials. 2022;5(4):2817-33. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42114-022-00464-9

[16] Radetić M. Functionalization of textile materials with silver nanoparticles. Journal of Materials Science. 2013;48:95-107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-012-6677-7

[17] Gadkari R, Ali SW, Joshi M, Rajendran S, Das A, Alagirusamy R. Leveraging antibacterial efficacy of silver loaded chitosan nanoparticles on layer-by-layer self-assembled coated cotton fabric. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. 2020;162:548-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.06.137

[18] Rai M, Kon K. Nanotechnology in Diagnosis, Treatment and Prophylaxis of Infectious Diseases. Academic Press; 2015. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21070867

[19] Ferraris S, Perero S, Miola M, Verne E, Rosiello A, Ferrazzo V, et al. Chemical, mechanical and antibacterial properties of silver nanocluster/silica composite coated textiles for safety systems and aerospace applications. Applied Surface Science. 2014;317:131-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2014.07.196

[20] Perera S, Bhushan B, Bandara R, Rajapakse G, Rajapakse S, Bandara C. Morphological, antimicrobial, durability, and physical properties of untreated and treated textiles using silver-nanoparticles. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2013;436:975-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.08.038

[21] Muthu SS. Textiles and Clothing Sustainability. Springer Singapore; 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-2185-5

[22] Saleem H, Zaidi SJ. Sustainable use of nanomaterials in textiles and their environmental impact. Materials. 2020;13(22):5134. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma13225134

[23] Göcek İ. Functionalization of textile materials with nanoclay incorporation for improved characteristics. Politeknik Dergisi. 2019;22(2):509-22. https://doi.org/10.2339/politeknik.508592

[24] Korkmaz N, Aksoy SA. Enhancing the performance properties of ester-cross-linked cotton fabrics using Al₂O₃-NPs. 2016. https://doi.org/10.1177/00405175155928

[25] Verbič A, Gorjanc M, Simončič B. Zinc oxide for functional textile coatings: Recent advances. Coatings. 2019;9(9):550. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings9090550

[26] Abbas M, Iftikhar H, Malik MH, Nazir A. Surface coatings of TiO₂ nanoparticles onto the designed fabrics for enhanced self-cleaning properties. Coatings. 2018;8(1):35. https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings8010035

[27] Xu Q, Xie L, Diao H, Li F, Zhang Y, Fu F, et al. Antibacterial cotton fabric with enhanced durability prepared using silver nanoparticles and carboxymethyl chitosan. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2017;177:187-93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2017.08.129

[28] Shafei AE, Abou-Okeil A. ZnO/carboxymethyl chitosan bionano-composite to impart antibacterial and UV protection for cotton fabric. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2011;83(2):920-5. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2010.08.083

[29] Parejo PG, Zayat M, Levy D. Highly efficient UV-absorbing thin-film coatings for protection of organic materials against photodegradation. Journal of Materials Chemistry. 2006;16(22):2165-9. https://doi.org/10.1039/B601577H

[30] Hayoz P, Peter W, Rogez D. A new innovative stabilization method for the protection of natural wood. Progress in Organic Coatings. 2003;48(2-4):297-309. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-9440(03)00102-4

[31] Broasca G, Borcia G, Dumitrascu N, Vrinceanu N. Characterization of ZnO coated polyester fabrics for UV protection. Applied Surface Science. 2013;279:272-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2013.04.084

[32] Girois S, Delprat P, Audouin L, Verdu J. Kinetic study of the photostabilisation of polypropylene films by an hydroxyphenylbenzotriazole. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 1999;64(1):107-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-3910(98)00182-7

[33] Hattori H, Ide Y, Sano T. Microporous titanate nanofibers for highly efficient UV-protective transparent coating. Journal of Materials Chemistry A. 2014;2(39):16381-8. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4TA02975E

[34] Rout PK, Singh MK. Porosity determination of textile fabrics: A novel mathematical approach and experimental validation. Materials Today Communications. 2023;37:107559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2023.107559

[35] Pospıšil J, Nešpurek S. Photostabilization of coatings: Mechanisms and performance. Progress in Polymer Science. 2000;25(9):1261-335. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6700(00)00029-0

[36] Aarik J, Aidla A, Kiisler A-A, Uustare T, Sammelselg V. Effect of crystal structure on optical properties of TiO₂ films grown by atomic layer deposition. Thin Solid Films. 1997;305(1-2):270-3. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-6090(97)00135-1

[37] Cui H, Zayat M, Parejo PG, Levy D. Highly efficient inorganic transparent UV-protective thin-film coating by low temperature sol-gel procedure for application on heat-sensitive substrates. Advanced Materials. 2008;20(1):65-8. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.200701960

[38] Kushwaha OS, Avadhani C, Singh R. Preparation and characterization of self-photostabilizing UV-durable bionanocomposite membranes for outdoor applications. Carbohydrate Polymers. 2015;123:164-73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.12.062

[39] Becheri A, Dürr M, Lo Nostro P, Baglioni P. Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles: application to textiles as UV-absorbers. Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 2008;10:679-89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-007-9318-3

[40] Rajagopalan N, Khanna A. Effect of size and morphology on UV-blocking property of nanoZnO in epoxy coating. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications. 2013;3(4):1-14. http://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-0413.php?rp=P161086

[41] Eita M, Wagberg L, Muhammed M. Spin-assisted multilayers of poly(methyl methacrylate) and zinc oxide quantum dots for ultraviolet-blocking applications. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 2012;4(6):2920-5. https://doi.org/10.1021/am300243u

[42] Li Y-Q, Fu S-Y, Mai Y-W. Preparation and characterization of transparent ZnO/epoxy nanocomposites with high-UV shielding efficiency. Polymer. 2006;47(6):2127-32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymer.2006.01.071

[43] Calvo ME, Castro Smirnov JR, Míguez H. Novel approaches to flexible visible transparent hybrid films for ultraviolet protection. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics. 2012;50(14):945-56. https://doi.org/10.1002/polb.23087

[44] Mandal AK, Katuwal S, Tettey F, Gupta A, Bhattarai S, Jaisi S, et al. Current research on zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and biomedical applications. Nanomaterials. 2022;12(17):3066. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12173066

[45] Islam F, Shohag S, Uddin MJ, Islam MR, Nafady MH, Akter A, et al. Exploring the journey of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) toward biomedical applications. Materials. 2022;15(6):2160. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15062160

[46] Rahman A, Harunsani MH, Tan AL, Khan MM. Zinc oxide and zinc oxide-based nanostructures: biogenic and phytogenic synthesis, properties and applications. Bioprocess and Biosystems Engineering. 2021;44(7):1333-72. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00449-021-02530-w

[47] Dey S, lochan Mohanty D, Divya N, Bakshi V, Mohanty A, Rath D, et al. A critical review on zinc oxide nanoparticles: Synthesis, properties and biomedical applications. Intelligent Pharmacy. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipha.2024.08.004

[48] Sasani Ghamsari M, Alamdari S, Han W, Park H-H. Impact of nanostructured thin ZnO film in ultraviolet protection. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2017:207-16. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S118637

[49] Parashar M, Shukla VK, Singh R. Metal oxides nanoparticles via sol–gel method: a review on synthesis, characterization and applications. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics. 2020;31(5):3729-49. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10854-020-02994-8

[50] Hasnidawani J, Azlina HN, Norita H, Bonnia N, Ratim S, Ali E. Synthesis of ZnO nanostructures using sol-gel method. Procedia Chemistry. 2016;19:211-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proche.2016.03.095

[51] Thilagavathi T, Geetha D. Low-temperature hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of ZnO nanoparticles. Indian Journal of Physics. 2013;87:747-50. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12648-013-0290-8

[52] Bokov D, Turki Jalil A, Chupradit S, Suksatan W, Javed Ansari M, Shewael IH, et al. Nanomaterial by sol-gel method: synthesis and application. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering. 2021;2021(1):5102014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/5102014

[53] Wu C, Wang K, Batmunkh M, Bati AS, Yang D, Jiang Y, et al. Multifunctional nanostructured materials for next generation photovoltaics. Nano Energy. 2020;70:104480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2020.104480

[54] Tania IS, Ali M. Coating of ZnO nanoparticle on cotton fabric to create a functional textile with enhanced mechanical properties. Polymers. 2021;13(16):2701. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13162701

[55] Hasnidawani J, Azlina H, Norita H, Bonnia N, Ratim S, Ali E. Synthesis of ZnO nanostructures using sol-gel method. Procedia Chemistry. 2016;19:211-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proche.2016.03.095

[56] Jin S-E, Jin H-E. Antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide nano/microparticles and their combinations against pathogenic microorganisms for biomedical applications: From physicochemical characteristics to pharmacological aspects. Nanomaterials. 2021;11(2):263. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11020263

[57] Wang Z, Xuan J, Liu B, He J. Photocatalytic degradation of CI reactive blue 19 by using novel nano BiVO₄-coated cotton fabric. Journal of Industrial Textiles. 2015;44(6):868-83. https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837135180

[58] Moafi HF, Shojaie AF, Zanjanchi MA. The comparison of photocatalytic activity of synthesized TiO₂ and ZrO₂ nanosize onto wool fibers. Applied Surface Science. 2010;256(13):4310-6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2010.02.022

[59] Sudrajat H. Superior photocatalytic activity of polyester fabrics coated with zinc oxide from waste hot dipping zinc. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018;172:1722-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.024

[60] Giedraitienė A, Ružauskas M, Šiugždinienė R, Tučkutė S, Grigonis K, Milčius D. ZnO nanoparticles enhance the antimicrobial properties of two-sided-coated cotton textile. Nanomaterials. 2024;14(15):1264. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14151264

[61] Kaawash NM, Almalki A, Alanazi FK, Al-Shamiri HA. Enhanced UV photodetection properties of nanostructured ZnO films synthesized via spray pyrolysis using different zinc precursors. Optical Materials. 2025:117201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2025.117201

[62] Mardosaite R, Jurkeviciute A, Rackauskas S. Superhydrophobic ZnO nanowires: wettability mechanisms and functional applications. Crystal Growth & Design. 2021;21(8):4765-79. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.cgd.1c00449

[63] Nagar V, Singh T, Tiwari Y, Aseri V, Pandit PP, Chopade RL, et al. ZnO nanoparticles: Exposure, toxicity mechanism and assessment. Materials Today: Proceedings. 2022;69:56-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.09.001

[64] Dejene BK, Abtew MA, Pawlos M. Eco-friendly flame retardant and antibacterial finishing solutions for cotton textiles: A comprehensive review. Journal of Industrial Textiles. 2025;55:15280837251325779. https://doi.org/10.1177/15280837251325779

[65] Awoke AT. Exploring biopolymer degradation: Environmental effects and future insights. Journal of Thermoplastic Composite Materials. 2025:08927057261423435. https://doi.org/10.1177/08927057261423

[66] Soren S, Kumar S, Mishra S, Jena PK, Verma SK, Parhi P. Evaluation of antibacterial and antioxidant potential of the zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized by aqueous and polyol method. Microbial Pathogenesis. 2018;119:145-51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2018.03.048

[67] Hsieh M-C, Lin M-C, Lin Y-Y, Lin M-H, Lin J-H, Hsieh C-T, et al. Analysis of mechanical properties and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus of knitted fabrics prepared from nano-ZnO twisted yarns. Textile Science & Research Journal. 2025;1(1):97-108. https://doi.org/10.63456/tsrj-1-1-21

[68] Seil JT, Webster TJ. Antimicrobial applications of nanotechnology: methods and literature. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2012:2767-81. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S24805

[69] Jayaseelan C, Rahuman AA, Kirthi AV, Marimuthu S, Santhoshkumar T, Bagavan A, et al. Novel microbial route to synthesize ZnO nanoparticles using Aeromonas hydrophila and their activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy. 2012;90:78-84. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.saa.2012.01.006

[70] Mohd Yusof H, Mohamad R, Zaidan UH, Abdul Rahman NA. Microbial synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and their potential application as an antimicrobial agent and a feed supplement in animal industry: A review. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology. 2019;10:1-22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-019-0368-z

[71] Kar TR, Samanta AK, Sajid M, Kaware R. UV protection and antimicrobial finish on cotton khadi fabric using a mixture of nanoparticles of zinc oxide and poly-hydroxy-amino methyl silicone. Textile Research Journal. 2019;89(11):2260-78. https://doi.org/10.1177/0040517518790973

[72] Padmavathy N, Vijayaraghavan R. Enhanced bioactivity of ZnO nanoparticles—an antimicrobial study. Science and Technology of Advanced Materials. 2008. https://doi.org/10.1088/1468-6996/9/3/035004

[73] Rajendra R, Balakumar C, Ahammed HAM, Jayakumar S, Vaideki K, Rajesh E. Use of zinc oxide nanoparticles for production of antimicrobial textiles. International Journal of Engineering, Science and Technology. 2010;2(1):202-8. https://doi.org/10.4314/ijest.v2i1.59113

[74] Çakır BA, Budama L, Topel Ö, Hoda N. Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using PS-b-PAA reverse micelle cores for UV protective, self-cleaning and antibacterial textile applications. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. 2012;414:132-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2012.08.015

[75] Boruah S, Jose S. Nanotechnology in textiles: Environmental safety and sustainable practices. Environmental Nanotechnology, Monitoring & Management. 2025:101062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enmm.2025.101062

[76] Lebaka VR, Ravi P, Reddy MC, Thummala C, Mandal TK. Zinc oxide nanoparticles in modern science and technology: Multifunctional roles in healthcare, environmental remediation, and industry. Nanomaterials. 2025;15(10):754. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15100754

[77] da Silva BL, Caetano BL, Chiari-Andréo BG, Pietro RCLR, Chiavacci LA. Increased antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles: Influence of size and surface modification. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces. 2019;177:440-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.02.013

[78] Vesper HW, Myers GL, Miller WG. Current practices and challenges in the standardization and harmonization of clinical laboratory tests. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2016;104:907S-12S. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.115.110387

[79] Gulab H, Fatima N, Tariq U, Gohar O, Irshad M, Khan MZ, et al. Advancements in zinc oxide nanomaterials: synthesis, properties, and diverse applications. Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects. 2024;39:101271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoso.2024.101271

[80] Irede EL, Awoyemi RF, Owolabi B, Aworinde OR, Kajola RO, Hazeez A, et al. Cutting-edge developments in zinc oxide nanoparticles: synthesis and applications for enhanced antimicrobial and UV protection in healthcare solutions. RSC Advances. 2024;14(29):20992-1034. https://doi.org/10.1039/D4RA02452D

[81] El-Saadony MT, Fang G, Yan S, Alkafaas SS, El Nasharty MA, Khedr SA, et al. Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles: preparation, characterization, and biomedical applications-a review. International Journal of Nanomedicine. 2024:12889-937. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S487188

[82] Luz CF, van Niekerk JM, Keizer J, Beerlage-de Jong N, Braakman-Jansen LA, Stein A, et al. Mapping twenty years of antimicrobial resistance research trends. Artificial Intelligence in Medicine. 2022;123:102216. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.artmed.2021.102216

Downloads

Published

2026-06-30

How to Cite

Awoke, A. T. (2026). Enhanced Antimicrobial and UV-Protective Healthcare Textile Fabric Incorporating Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized via Sol-Gel Method: A Review. Textile Science & Research Journal, 2(2), 60-75. https://doi.org/10.63456/tsrj-2-2-43