Biocompatibility and Toxicity of Nanoparticles in Textile Finishing

The advancement of functional and technical textiles is one of the salient parts which is responsible for global modernization. This increase in demand for technical textiles leads to surge in functional properties in textile substrates. In case of textile finishing, the enhancement of functional properties can be possible by increasing add-on or by improving surface area of finishing agents. Nano-finishing on textile substrates is mostly emphasized to increase the functional properties rather than rise in add-on of finishing agents as it can lead to disruption in physical, comfort, and aesthetic properties. The nanostructure textile finishing agents are possessed of higher surface area which results in enhancement of functional properties compared to traditional finishing agents. However, this higher surface area results in increase in specific surface energy that proceeds into agglomerations, solubility issues, and many other problems. Among various issues of nanoparticles, the need in understanding about biocompatibility and cytotoxicity is prime concerns. High toxicity can be influenced by nanostructures and it can cause huge damage to human body or living beings. Moreover, nanostructures present in textile also causes environmental imbalances and tends to threaten environment. A detailed overview of impact of textile nano-finishing on environment and also consequences of toxic nature of nanoparticles on human health is delineated in this chapter.