Exploring the versatility of medical textiles: Applications in implantable and non-implantable medical textiles

Abstract

In the contemporary era, the realm of medical textiles stands out as a continuously expanding sector within the technical textile market. Essential characteristics of medical textiles encompass factors such as robustness, eco-friendliness, safety, compatibility with the human body, dimensional reliability, resilience against allergens and cancer, enhanced comfort, and efficient antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Advances in textiles, whether natural or synthetic, are primarily directed toward improving user comfort. Notably, the progress in medical textiles signifies a significant stride in making the challenging days for patients more comfortable. Implantable materials play a crucial role in addressing diverse medical needs by restoring affected parts of the human body. These substances are utilized in diverse fields, including the manufacturing of wound sutures, surgical substitutes, and the development of artificial ligaments and vascular grafts. This range encompasses a wide array of medical apparatus such as sutures, implants for soft tissues, orthopedic devices, and cardiovascular implants. The textile industry, especially in the medical, hygiene, and healthcare sectors, is witnessing a remarkable and growing trend. Textiles, due to their versatility in product design, have become a compelling solution for implantable medical devices. Textiles possess the versatility to adopt both two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes, driven solely by imaginative ideas. In the medical realm, their utility spans from basic single-thread sutures to intricate composite formations employed in bone replacement. They serve purposes ranging from fundamental cleaning wipes to sophisticated barrier fabrics in surgical settings. This research seeks to investigate the diverse array of medical-grade textiles used as implants, such as surgical sutures, synthetic skin, ligaments, and cartilage replacements. The research delves into the diverse raw materials used in these textiles and examines the intricate manufacturing processes involved in creating these vital components of the medical field.