Volume 2 Number 1 2021
Sustainable Biomaterials for Next-Generation Textile Applications: Emerging Fibers, Biopolymers, and Advanced Fabrication Strategies – A Review
Mahabub Rahman 1*, Md Fojla Rabbe Forhad 1
Journal of Primeasia 2 (1) 1-10 https://doi.org/10.25163/primeasia.2110698
Submitted: 27 September 2021 Revised: 10 December 2021 Accepted: 16 December 2021 Published: 18 December 2021
The increasing environmental impact of conventional textile production has accelerated the demand for sustainable alternatives derived from renewable resources. Biomaterials, particularly biopolymers such as cellulose, chitosan, proteins, and bio-based polyesters, have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation textile applications due to their biodegradability, biocompatibility, and reduced ecological footprint. This review provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable biomaterials with a focus on emerging fibers and their applications in modern textile systems evidence from peer-reviewed studies across. The classification of biomaterials, including polysaccharide-based, protein-based, and bio-based synthetic polymers, is discussed alongside recent advancements in fiber fabrication technologies such as electrospinning and 3D manufacturing. Furthermore, strategies for functionalization, including nanocomposite development and smart textile integration, are highlighted. The review also explores applications in apparel, medical textiles, protective materials, and industrial sectors. Despite significant progress, challenges related to scalability, cost, and performance remain critical barriers to widespread adoption. Future research directions emphasize the development of advanced biomaterials, sustainable processing techniques, and circular economy approaches. Overall, sustainable biomaterials represent a key pathway toward environmentally responsible and high-performance textile innovations.
Keywords: Biomaterials; Biopolymers; Bio-based fibers; Cellulose; Circular economy; Electrospinning; Nanofibers; Sustainable textiles; Smart textiles
Akinsemolu, A. A. (2018). The role of microorganisms in achieving the sustainable development goals. Journal of Cleaner Production, 182, 139–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.081
Auras, R., Lim, L. T., Selke, S. E., & Tsuji, H. (2015). Poly(lactic acid): Synthesis, structures, properties, processing, and applications. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470649848
Bhardwaj, N., & Kundu, S. C. (2015). Electrospinning: A fascinating fiber fabrication technique. Biotechnology Advances, 28, 325–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2010.01.004
Bhushan, B. (2016). Biomimetics: Bioinspired hierarchical-structured surfaces for green science and technology. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A, 367, 1445–1486.
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2009.0013
Boucher, J., & Friot, D. (2017). Primary microplastics in the oceans: a global evaluation of sources (Vol. 10, pp. 1-43). Gland, Switzerland: Iucn.
Edgar, K. J., & Zhang, H. (2020). Antibacterial modification of lyocell fiber: A review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 250, 116932. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116932
Farah, S., Anderson, D. G., & Langer, R. (2016). Physical and mechanical properties of PLA, and their functions in widespread applications—A comprehensive review. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews, 107, 367–392. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2016.06.012
Gopinath, V., Saravanan, S., Al-Maleki, A. R., Ramesh, M., & Vadivelu, J. (2020). A comprehensive review on chemical properties and applications of biopolymers and their composites. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 154, 733–748. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.03.120
Huang, Z. M., Zhang, Y. Z., Kotaki, M., & Ramakrishna, S. (2016). A review on polymer nanofibers by electrospinning. Composites Science and Technology, 63, 2223–2253. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0266-3538(03)00178-7
Hummel, M., Michud, A., & Sixta, H. (2015). Lyocell—A sustainable fiber for the future. Lenzinger Berichte, 91, 12–21.
Kalia, S., Kaith, B. S., & Kaur, I. (2016). Cellulose fibers: Bio- and nano-polymer composites. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-17370-7
Klemm, D., Heublein, B., Fink, H. P., & Bohn, A. (2015). Cellulose: Fascinating biopolymer and sustainable raw material. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 54(21), 6398–6416. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.201410316
Laur, A., Li, N., & Pacheco-Fabig, M. (2017). 19. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Yearbook of International Environmental Law, 28, 527-539.
Li, Y., Lim, L. T., & Kakuda, Y. (2015). Lectrospinning of nanofibers and their applications for textiles. Journal of Applied Polymer Science, 132(20), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1002/app.41930
Liu, Y., & Kumar, S. (2014/2015). Polymer/carbon nanotube nano composite fibers—A review. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 6, 6069–6087. https://doi.org/10.1021/am500606u
Macarthur, F. E. (2017). A new textiles economy: Redesingning fashion’s future Ellen Macarthur Foundation.
Mohanty, A. K., Misra, M., & Drzal, L. T. (2015). Sustainable bio-composites from renewable resources. Journal of Polymers and the Environment, 10, 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1021013921916
Provin, A. P., Reis, V. O., Hilesheim, S. E., Bianchet, R. T., Dutra, A. R. A., & Cubas, A. L. V. (2021). Use of bacterial cellulose in the textile industry and the wettability challenge—A review. Cellulose, 28, 8255–8274. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-021-04059-3
Rajeshkumar, G., Seshadri, S. A., Devnani, G. L., Sanjay, M. R., Siengchin, S., Maran, J. P., Al-Dhabi, N. A., Karuppiah, P., Mariadhas, V. A., & Sivarajasekar, N. (2021). Environment friendly, renewable and sustainable polylactic acid (PLA) based natural fiber reinforced composites—A comprehensive review. Journal of Cleaner Production, 310, 127483. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127483
Satyanarayana, K. G., Arizaga, G. G. C., & Wypych, F. (2015). Biodegradable composites based on lignocellulosic fibers—An overview. Progress in Polymer Science, 34(9), 982–1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2008.12.002
Shah, A. A., Hasan, F., Hameed, A., & Ahmed, S. (2016). Biological degradation of plastics: A comprehensive review. Biotechnology Advances, 26(3), 246–265. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2007.12.005
Shen, L., Worrell, E., & Patel, M. K. (2016). Present and future development in plastics from biomass. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining, 4(1), 25–40. https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.189
Siró, I., & Plackett, D. (2016). Microfibrillated cellulose and new nanocomposite materials. Cellulose, 17, 459–494. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-010-9405-y
Thakur, V. K., Thakur, M. K., & Gupta, R. K. (2016). Review: Raw natural fiber-based polymer composites. International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 19, 256–271.https://doi.org/10.1080/1023666X.2014.880016
Xiuzhi Susan Sun, S.(2013). Handbook of biopolymers and biodegradable plastics.
Yang, Q., Wu, S., & Wang, S. (2019). Sustainable cellulose-based materials for textiles: A review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 207, 201–213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.11.091
Zhang, Y., Rempel, C., & Liu, Q. (2018). Thermoplastic starch processing and characteristics—A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 54(10), 1353–1370. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.636156
Blockchain-Based Traceability as a Foundational Enabler of Trust, Safety, and Sustainability in Agri-food and Sustainable Production Systems
Advancements in Biomaterial-Based Nucleic Acid Delivery Systems for In Situ Tissue Engineering: A Review
Green Nanotechnology: Sustainable Approaches for Environmental Remediation and Waste Management