The use of bio-based reagents for silver nanoparticle (AgNP) production has gained much attention among researchers as it has paved the way for environmentally friendly approaches at low cost for synthesizing nanomaterials while maintaining their properties. In this study, Stellaria media aqueous extract was used for silver nanoparticle phyto-synthesis, and the resulting treatment was applied to textile fabrics to test its antimicrobial properties against bacteria and fungi strains. The chromatic effect was also established by determining the L*a*b* parameters. For optimizing the synthesis, different ratios of extract to silver precursor were tested using UV-Vis spectroscopy to observe the SPR-specific band. Moreover, the AgNP dispersions were tested for their antioxidant properties using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods, and the phenolic content was evaluated by the Folin-Ciocâlteu method. For the optimal ratio, values of average size, 50.11 ± 3.25 nm, zeta potential, −27.10 ± 2.16 mV, and polydispersity index, 0.209, were obtained via the DLS technique and zeta potential measurements. AgNPs were further characterized by EDX and XRD techniques to confirm their formation and by microscopic techniques to evaluate their morphology. TEM measurements revealed cvasi-spherical particles with sizes in the range of 10–30 nm, while SEM images confirmed their uniform distribution on the textile fiber surface.

The present study aims to bring an addition to biomass resources valorization for environmental-friendly synthesis of nanoparticles. Thus, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was performed, using a novel and effective reducing agent, Primula officinalis extract. The synthesis was optimized by monitoring the characteristic absorption bands, using UV–Vis spectroscopy, and by evaluating the size and physical stability. The phenolic consumption was established using Folin-Ciocâlteu method (1.40 ± 0.42 mg, representing ~5% from the total amount of poly--phenols) and the antioxidant activity was evaluated using chemiluminescence and TEAC methods. The optimum ratio extract to Ag ions was 1:3, for which the AgNPs presented a zeta potential value of −29.3 ± 1.2 mV and particles size of 5–30 nm. For characterization, EDS and XRD techniques were used, along with microscopy techniques (TEM). The AgNPs dispersions were applied on natural textile samples (cotton and wool), as a novel antimicrobial treatment for textile preservation. The treated fabrics were further characterized in terms of chromatic parameters and antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Penicillium hirsutum strains. The high percentages of bacterial reduction, >99%, revealed that the AgNPs produced are a good candidate for textiles preservation against microbial degradation.

Skin-friendly textile materials were obtained by applying oil-in-water emulsions based on palmarosa essential oil, chamomile, and calendula tinctures onto cotton fabrics. Different formulations based on these bioactive principles incorporated in collagen as polymeric matrices were prepared and immobilized on a plain weave textile structure from 100% cotton. The functionalized textile materials were characterized in terms of physicochemical, mechanical, antibacterial, and biocompatibility points of view. The pH values of the prepared emulsions were in the range of 4.81–5.23 and showed no significant differences after 4 h of storage. Moreover, the addition of a higher quantity of active principles (palmarosa essential oil and plant tinctures) caused slightly lower values of acidic pH. The electrical conductivity of the obtained emulsions increased with the decrease in the oil phases in the system. The highest values were obtained for the emulsion developed with the smallest volume fraction of active principle—palmarosa essential oil and plant tinctures. The emulsion that contained the least amount of collagen and the highest number of active principles exhibited the lowest stability. The textile materials treated with synthesized emulsions exerted antibacterial effects against S. aureus and E. coli strains and did not affect keratinocyte growth, spreading, and organization, highlighting the biocompatibility of these developed skin-friendly textiles.

The present study was focused on the preparation, characterization and application onto cotton fabrics of different topical oil-in-water emulsions based on chitosan, eugenol and copaiba essential oil for potential topical applications. Different amounts of copaiba essential oil (oil phases) and eugenol were used, while the water phase consisted of hamamelis water. The designed formulations were evaluated via optical microscopy and rheological parameters assessment. The textile materials treated with the developed emulsions were analyzed in terms of antibacterial efficiency and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. The rheological measurements have shown that the emulsions’ stability was dependent on their viscosity and structure of the colloidal systems. The emulsions remained stable at temperatures equal to or below 35 °C, but an increase in temperature led to droplet flocculation and creaming. The emulsion-treated textiles exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and in vivo biocompatibility on the skin of guinea pigs without sensitization effects. Our study revealed that eugenol and copaiba essential oil-based emulsions loaded on cotton textile materials could be promising candidates for developing skin-friendly textiles designed for different topical applications.

Continuous research is necessary for the field of cultural heritage conservation to maintain up-to-date knowledge regarding new treatments and methods for preserving artefacts. Cultural heritage conservation is not only necessary for preserving the memory of our predecessors but is also meaningful for future generations. History museums around the world contain impressive collections of heritage textiles in various stages of degradation. The main method of preservation is maintaining the objects a microclimate to limit degradation by adjusting the temperature, humidity, and brightness of the rooms in which they are exposed or stored. Biodegradation is influenced by the presence of microorganisms, the availability of oxygen, temperature, humidity, light, and chemical factors (pH, electrolytes, etc.). This paper aims to provide scientific information on how heritage textiles have been studied and characterized, as well as the methods of preservation reported in the literature. Particular attention is being paid to nanomaterials, as they have been intensively studied for various applications and demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects, which can be utilized to treat heritage objects and slow down degradation processes.

Current demands in the field of functional textiles include the integration of specific characteristics, such as self-cleaning, antimicrobial efficacy and possible wound healing properties. Green synthesis of nanoparticles represents a promising strategy to address these challenges, combining biocompatibility and ecological safety with effective antimicrobial and antioxidant performance. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized using different ratios of Crataegus monogyna extract: AgNO₃. Physically stable AgNPs with spherical shape, particle main diameters ranging from 61.9 to 85.4 nm and appropriate polydispersity indices were produced. Crataegus monogyna presented high phenolic content (30.58 ± 2.20 mg/g) and strong antioxidant activity (96 ± 1.6 µmol TE/g). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, EDX, and XRD analysis. When applied to cotton and wool textiles, the AgNPs adhered uniformly, caused minimal colour change, and exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains compared to other plant-derived AgNPs, with values between 8 and 13.5 mm. The treated textiles demonstrated strong performance against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones of 11 ± 0.53 for cotton and 13.5 ± 0.42 for wool. These findings highlight the potential of Crataegus monogyna-based AgNPs as effective and fabric-compatible antimicrobial agents.