Natural nanofibers for textile applications: A review on electrospinning of cellulose, chitin, and silk for sustainable functional materials

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance textiles has driven significant interest in natural nanofibers as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic materials such as plastics. Among the various fabrication techniques, electrospinning has emerged as a versatile method for producing ultrafine nanofibers from biopolymers such as cellulose, chitin/chitosan, and silk, offering tunable properties for advanced textile applications. Unlike previous reviews that typically focus on a single biopolymer or lack detailed comparisons across systems, this review provides a comprehensive and focused comparative analysis of cellulose, chitin, and silk nanofibers, emphasizing their electrospinnability, processing challenges, functional modifications, and potential applications in advanced textiles. Cellulose nanofibers, derived from plant or bacterial sources, demonstrate exceptional mechanical strength and biocompatibility; however, they require innovative solvent systems for effective electrospinning. Chitin and chitosan, sourced from marine waste, possess inherent antimicrobial and wound-healing properties; nevertheless, their rigid structures necessitate polymer blending or coaxial spinning for improved processability. Silk fibroin, renowned for its toughness and flexibility, is ideal for luxury and biomedical textiles; however, it faces challenges in scalable production. This review also discusses green electrospinning approaches, including solvent optimization and additive incorporation, to enhance fiber performance while minimizing environmental impact. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties, biodegradability, and cost-effectiveness of these nanofibers, highlighting their significance in the circular economy. Finally, future perspectives on scalability, multifunctional textiles, and regulatory barriers are discussed, providing a roadmap for research and commercialization.

Keywords: Antimicrobial fabrics; Cellulose; Chitin; Circular economy; Electrospinning; Green materials; Natural nanofibers; Silk fibroin; Sustainable textiles.