Biofunctional Textiles: Breakthrough or Buzzword?

From shirts that fight bacteria to socks that boost recovery — are these fabrics the future, or just flashy marketing?

Starting with functional textile

Functional textile designed with additional, non-biological functions to improve comfort, protection, or performance, through physical, chemical, or technical enhancements.

Example:

• Waterproof / breathable jackets
• UV-protective fabrics
• Flame-retardant uniforms
• Moisture-wicking sportswear
• Temperature-regulating fabrics

What about biofunctional textile?

Biofunctional textile is a subset of functional textiles designed to work with the human body, supporting health, hygiene, and well-being through biologically active compounds or innovative mechanisms.

Example:

• Antimicrobial hospital linens
• Socks that prevent blisters or improve blood circulation
• Compression garments for pain recovery
• Skincare fabrics infused with vitamin E, aloe vera, or caffeine
• Probiotic-coated fabrics for skin microbiome support

How textiles become biofunctional?

It’s all in the science of integration such as:

• Embedded Particles: Silver, copper, or zinc oxide nanoparticles for antimicrobial action.
• Nanocarrier: Silica nanoparticles to carry and release active ingredients from fabrics.
• Microcapsules: Vitamin E, aloe vera, or caffeine slowly released onto the skin.
• Phase-Change Materials: Store and release heat to maintain optimal body temperature.
• Conductive Fibers: For monitoring biometrics like heart rate.

These properties are added during fiber production, fabric finishing, or surface coating.

Biofunctional textile is all about turning ordinary into extraordinary

Biofunctional textiles apply in healthcare (e.g., antimicrobial scrubs), sports and fitness (e.g., recovery
socks), wellness and beauty (e.g., hair-nourishing headwear, therapeutic pillow cases), and physical environments (e.g., odour-control gear); adding essential wellness benefits to the fabrics.

But there’s a catch

Biofunctional textiles are one of the most exciting intersections of fashion, science, and health; but like any innovation, proof matters. There are some challenges include:

• Durability: Active agents may wash out over time.
• Evidence gap: Not all claims are supported by peer- reviewed studies.
• Cost: Premium price tags without guaranteed long-term benefit.
• Regulatory gray zone: Are they clothes or medical devices?

Breakthrough or Buzzword?

With solid evidence from functional studies supporting claims such as antimicrobial durability, antioxidant functionality, and therapeutic effects, biofunctional textiles have the potential to be true breakthroughs.

Achieving practical efficacy, long-lasting performance, and cost-effectiveness will be key to unlocking their full potential.

Biorism Biofunctional Textiles

Clothing stays in constant contact with our skin, almost every moment of the day. Building on this connection, Biorism sees textiles not just as fabric, but as a medium for delivering wellness. We are driving innovation to bring biofunctional textiles to life.

Biorism Sil2U technology is redefining the future of biofunctional textiles to deliver health benefits seamlessly.

The article is prepared by Biorism Scientist, Dr Maisarah, (PhD in Molecular & Cellular Biology).