Medical textiles are numerous fiber-based materials intended for medical purposes. Medical textile is a sector of technical textiles that emphasizes fiber-based products used in health care applications such as prevention, care, and hygiene.
The spectrum of applications of medical textiles ranges from simple cotton bandages to advanced tissue engineering.[1] Common examples of products made from medical textiles include dressings, implants, surgical sutures, certain medical devices, healthcare textiles, diapers, menstrual pads, wipes, and barrier fabrics.[2]
Medical textiles include many fiber types, yarns, fabrics, non-woven materials, woven, braided, as well as knitted fabrics.[3] Physical and chemical alterations of fiber architectures, the use of functional finishes, and the production of stimuli-sensitive materials are major approaches for developing innovative medical textiles.[2]
Advances in textile manufacturing and medical technologies have made medical healthcare an important industry in textiles.[2] Textiles are used in the production of a variety of medical devices, including replacements for damaged, injured, or non-functioning organs.[4] The manufacture of medical textiles is a growing sector. There are many reasons for its growth, such as new technology in both textiles and medicine; ageing populations; growing populations; changes in lifestyles; and longer life expectancies.[5]: 136 Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic generated higher demand for certain medical textile applications [such as PPE, medical gowns and face masks], and there were shortages worldwide.[6][7][8] Even China, the world's largest manufacturer of such applications, has struggled to keep up with demand.[9]
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