Mechanism and Implications of Nanoparticle Release from Commercial Nano-Textiles: A systematic review

Abstract

The application of nanomaterials in textiles is a result of the growing consumer desire for robust, environmentally responsible apparel. Concerns are raised, meanwhile, regarding the effects of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Research has looked into the release of nanoparticles from fabrics during washing and use. However, the available studies vary widely, making a thorough understanding difficult. To compile the available data and provide a comprehensive analysis of nanoparticle release from commercially used and washed nano-enhanced textiles, a systematic review is necessary. We used PRISMA guidelines to search for the available literature using pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. These databases provided 1158 relevant research articles, which Endnote software screened for duplicates. 36 studies were considered relevant for reading in full after 479 distinct abstracts were assessed for relevant studies. After complete text evaluation, only 13 of these articles were found to be relevant. New Castle Ottawa (NOS) was used for the risk bias assessment of all included studies. The findings show that a significant quantity of nanoparticles can be released by textiles using nanotechnology. Numerous factors, including the structure of the nanoparticles, the adhesive qualities, the type of fabric, and the interactions with the environment, affect the characteristics of those released particles, particularly their quantity and composition. These findings highlight potential risks associated with nanoparticle release, highlighting the need for toxicological evaluations and further research into particle behavior, with a focus on the functional aspects of fibers and how they affect the environment after nanoparticle release after washing, even though there are differences between laboratory simulations and real-world conditions.