Nano-Silver and Metallic Nanoparticle Functional Textiles
category
Metallic nanoparticles (Ag 5–20 nm, Au 5–50 nm, Cu 20–80 nm, Pt 2–10 nm) exhibit size-dependent optical, electrical, and catalytic properties exploited in textile applications beyond simple antimicrobial function. Silver nanoparticles exhibit localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 380–450 nm enabling colorimetric sensing of heavy metals (Hg²⁺ detection at 10 ppb). Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on fabric enable SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy) with enhancement factors of 10⁶–10⁸ for trace chemical detection. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) catalyze H₂O₂ decomposition for textile-based biosensors detecting wound biomarkers (H₂O₂ at 1 µM sensitivity). Applied at 0.01–1.0 g/m² via in-situ reduction, photoreduction, or inkjet printing. Total metallic NP textile market is valued at $780 million in 2024.
Role
Transforms passive textile substrates into active chemical detection and biosensing platforms, enabling point-of-care diagnostic textiles that simultaneously provide infection control (silver) and wound biomarker detection (gold, platinum) for advanced smart wound dressing applications.