Functionalization of polymers and nanomaterials for water treatment, food packaging, textile and biomedical applications: a review

Pooyan Makvandi, Sidra Iftekhar, Fabio Pizzetti, Atefeh Zarepour, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Milad Ashrafizadeh, Tarun Agarwal, Vinod V.T. Padil, Reza Mohammadinejad, Mika Sillanpaa, Tapas Kumar Maiti, Giuseppe Perale, Ali Zarrabi, Filippo Rossi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

144 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The inert nature of most commercial polymers and nanomaterials results in limitations of applications in various industrial fields. This can be solved by surface modifications to improve physicochemical and biological properties, such as adhesion, printability, wetting and biocompatibility. Polymer functionalization allows to graft specific moieties and conjugate molecules that improve material performances. In the last decades, several approaches have been designed in the industry and academia to graft functional groups on surfaces. Here, we review surface decoration of polymers and nanomaterials, with focus on major industrial applications in the medical field, textile industry, water treatment and food packaging. We discuss the advantages and challenges of polymer functionalization. More knowledge is needed on the biology behind cell–polymer interactions, nanosafety and manufacturing at the industrial scale.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)583-611
Number of pages29
JournalEnvironmental Chemistry Letters
Volume19
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Antibacterial
  • Drug delivery
  • Functional polymers
  • Functionalization
  • Surface modification

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry

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